Story and photos by Vivienne Pearson
The newly reopened Byron Bay Brewery has got a bit of well-deserved press for
its beer, but what about the food?
The menu is worth checking out, regardless of how much you like beer. The sharing-style menu was developed to complement the beers on offer, but there’s no playing on a beer theme – no ‘beer batter this’ or ‘infused with a hint of beer’ there. Though you enter the eating area alongside a picture-window showcasing the brewery, the food menu stands alone.
Three weeks in, the most popular dishes are sticky lamb ribs, crispy calamari and slow-cooked beef brisket and pork belly. There are good vegetarian and vegan options, including substantial salads, such as a roasted cauliflower, chickpea and mint option. Lighter snacks are also popular, including house- cut frites, croquettes and bacon-salt-flavoured popcorn.
Head chef, Michael Desmond, moved into this position from a year at Brunswick Heads’ Footbridge Café. Prior to that, he cheffed in almost every style of cooking around Melbourne: 5-star hotels, 3-hatted restaurants, trendy coffee-based cafes and high-end corporate catering. ‘Cheffing in a brewery will certainly round out my CV,’ Michael laughs.
Michael was introduced to the ethos of paddock-to-plate while in Melbourne. ‘When I moved up here, it suddenly got so much easier!,’ Michael enthuses, citing Grumpy Grandma’s Olives, Coopers Shoot Tomatoes, The Gourmet Salad Hut, and Nimbin Cheese as just some of the local suppliers of produce. ‘It’s a no-brainer,’ Michael says, adding that not only is the produce top quality but that ‘everyone is really lovely!’
Michael acknowledges the Lion Group’s great work in renovating the kitchen and supporting him during the setup phase. He also acknowledges his new team, including Sheldon Wick and Kit Butler as seniors. ‘We’ve employed a whole lot of locals,’ says Michael.
The brewery is in a beautiful spot. You can eat outside under a huge tree or inside with a rainforested slope just outside the tall windows. Located away from the hubbub of central Byron, you don’t need to concern yourself with paid parking and, if you approach from Ewingsdale Road, you can avoid the main town. It is next door to the Arts Factory Backpackers but the renovations have created more separation between the two. The building also contains the Pighouse Flicks Cinema, so is perfect for combining a movie and meal evening. And maybe a beer or two!
Byron Bay Brewery, 1 Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay.
www.byronbaybrewery.com.au
