CASTLEMAINE | Love Shack Brewing Co was founded by former Stomping Ground brewers and mates, Conna Mallett and Harrison Cox in May 2021. They began brewing in a tiny shack out the back of Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal, and it wasn’t long before they outgrew the space, and as chance would have it, the spot next door became available.
It’s that spot where you’ll find the tap room, which feels like a classic country pub that’s always been there, a few fridges filled with cans of beer to go, and the brewery out back. The branding, and the brewery harken back to old-school Australia, with a 1970s feel. There’s lots of timber, brass, and green, booths, stools, and seating, and a long bar that showcases what the venue’s all about. The walls are lined with retro themed memorabilia. It’s a very welcoming, cosy space.
Love Shack’s beers are focused on great versions of classic styles. The IPA, Lager, and Pale are three of the most popular beers, and their ESB (properly poured on hand pump), Red Ale, and Stout are highly regarded. There’s a few rotating seasonals and limited beers at any given time, but this isn’t the place for anything too experimental. It’s just fantastic, honest beer.
If you’re not a beer person, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a small but diverse selection of wines from some of the region’s best independent wineries available by the glass, plus an extensive range of local spirits, and cocktails. There’s a decent selection of non-alcoholic options too.
The kitchen is headed up by head chef Joel Baylon (ex Northern Light, Shobosho), who’s cooking up a sharp menu of excellent pub classics. Think chicken schnitzel, fish and chips, and a few burgers. There’s also an assortment of top notch small dishes.
The ‘Love Burger’ is one of the best burgers that I’ve had all year. A smashed beef patties, with cheddar, lettuce, white onion, tomato, and a zingy house sauce inside a soft bun. Broccolini, with toasted almonds, macadamia cream, a crispy chilli oil is a must order from the snacks section, as are the moreish devilled eggs with curry mayo.
Love Shack Brewing Co
26 Hargreaves Street
Castlemaine
Victoria 3450
Australia
Telephone: (03) 5470 5774
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Tue: 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Wed – Thu: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sun: 11:00am to 9:00pm