Simon Haslam
Byron Bay Brewery is set to open its doors tonight after three months of renovations. The space now has a clean, modern look inside, with the booths retained and the stainless steel brewing vats on show. There’s an outdoor area at the rear, with stepped areas around the music stage.
Beer brewed onsite
There’s something special about being about to visit a place and eat or drink with a view of the origin of your meal, gazing up at the vats as you try the beers brewed onsite (there’s a tasting plate available of 4 ponies for $14).
Head brewer Alasdair Gillespie is a South African bloke with a bearded, surfie look and he’s come up with three lagers (a cloudy pale lager, an india pale lager and a mid-strength red lager) as well as two ales (an india pale ale and a pale ale). There’s also cider, and a decent selection of wines in the $40-$45 a bottle range and spirits.
Food menu
The food menu is based on share plates, with a dozen small shares and a dozen more substantial large share plates to choose from, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a kids menu.
The brewery was recently purchased by beverage giant Lion.
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