Walk past 124 Boundary Street in Brisbane’s West End and you’re met by an ornate set of iron gates featuring intricate hop bines and cones. Eye-catching, for sure. But it’s what lies beyond that is likely to please you rather more.
The team behind Woolloongabba’s Brewhouse Brisbane have worked wonders with their new venue, Brisbane Brewing Co. Pass under the gates and you're led to a courtyard with a welcoming laneway vibe that's one of the most enticing spots to relax once the sun disappears, aided in no small part by delicately poised fairy lights that soften the harsh West End bustle coming from yonder.
That's just the start, however, as the courtyard opens up into a small, open air expanse with an adjoining glass fronted delicatessen counter that serves up an appetising selection of cold meats, salads and a range of cheeses. The temptation may be to stop, stare and indulge there but it's merely the final distraction before you encounter the motherlode: the brewpub that has to be one of the most visually appealing in Australia.
Once inside, it’s easy to forget that just moments prior you were standing on Boundary Street. Soft lighting, timber, black and white floor tiles, a polished concrete bar top and strategically placed foliage combined with the tried and trusted formula of exposed brickwork make the decor simply work, while the warming teal paint covering the wooden cladding is the venue's defining flourish. There’s no doubt about it: Brisbane Brewing Co.'s terrific use of space emits a class unrivalled by most of its peers.
In plain sight is the working brewery itself – set back to one side behind a glass partition – with bright beer tanks located in a purpose-built cold room. They're connected straight to the taps at the bar, offering customers the chance to sup some of the freshest beer in Brisbane.
With ten taps to choose from, including a five-strong core range and three to five seasonals on rotation, Brisbane Brewing Co. tend to tap not only their own beers but also a selection of guest beers too; at time of writing, BBCo are one of only two Brisbane breweries to do so. All tap beers are available as take-aways in 1.89L glass growlers and 1.25L riggers too.
Aside from the delicatessen offerings, the modern food menu boasts larger options too such as hoagies, share plates, beef brisket, beer battered barramundi and chicken parmigiana plus vegetarian options and an extensive dessert menu. Everything is well priced with the average cost of a main and two sides around $25.
In an increasingly crafty part of an increasingly crafty city, Brisbane Brewing Co provides a touch of elegance alongside its brewed onsite beers, with regular jazz evenings, DJs and local musicians completing the picture.
Darren Magin
