MELBOURNE | Scottish craft brewery giants BrewDog launched in Australia with BrewDog DogTap Brisbane back in 2019, and now it’s Melbourne’s turn to get in on the action. The new BrewDog Pentridge opened last month in Pentridge Prison’s E Division building. It’s a collaboration with Australian Venue Co (Garden State Hotel, Prahran Hotel, Yarra Botanica) that sees the former prison block’s heritage elements worked in to what’s an impressive venue.
The space is huge. More than 1000-square-metres spread across the front beer garden and two levels inside. The beer garden is what was the prison yard (be aware that not all tables are shaded), and inside the various rooms of the old sandstone building have been converted into a number of different areas with their own vibe.
There’s 26 beer taps, pouring BrewDog’s own beers and a few guest beers from other local craft breweries. There’s popular core range beers, rotating seasonal brews, and a quality, accessible wine and cocktail list. My go to is Elvis Juice, a piney, citrus driven 6.5% ABV American IPA brewed with grapefruit peel.
For food, it’s the pub classics done right that BrewDog is known for, with some local tweaks by Australian Venue Co executive chef Telina Menzies. Think parmas, pizzas, burgers, and grazing plates. Definitely try the fantastic buffalo wings. There’s lots of vegan options on the menu, and all dietaries are well catered for. Victorian producers are showcased, and highlighted on the menu.
If you want some takeaways for home, there’s also a retail section full of cans and bottles of BrewDog beers. Unlike the Brisbane venue, however, you won’t find hard to source imports from other breweries.
BrewDog Pentridge
1 Champ Street
Coburg
Victoria 3058
Australia
Telephone: (03) 8840 4896
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Sun – Wed: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Thu – Sat: 12:00pm to 12:00am