The details
For UK-born Currumbin-based cousins Chris and Gareth Sharples, opening their own craft-beer bar and eatery remained a pipe dream for some time. The duo own a prime series of shops in the thick of the action on Tugun’s Golden Four Drive. As fate would have it, two of their tenancies became vacant (the discount store and computer shop), so they took the opportunity to turn the dream into a reality. Born from Chris and Gareth’s collective love of beer, Craft House shines the light on Australian craft varieties, with a mixture of little-known emerging brewers and left-of-centre creations from more established names being rotated regularly in the 20-tap line-up.
The bar
As for the beer, you’ll find familiar local names like Balter, Stone & Wood, Pickled Pig and Green Beacon on the unbranded taps. Though, expect a few unique creations in the line-up, like the Continental Breakfast Nitro Stout from Auckland’s Deep Creek, the Nutella Wattleseed Stout from Brookvale’s Nomad Brewing Co., the smooth Milk Stout by Maleny’s Brouhaha, and the Farm House Ginger Beer from Tamworth’s Welders Dog. Not into beer? That’s okay – there’s a very respectable series of spirits lining the bar shelves, including a well-curated collection of craft gins, which forms the basis of a sophisticated-yet-fun cocktail offering. The wine list is highlighted by mainly small-scale Australian producers, giving a passionate nod to minimal-intervention and organic varieties.
The food
The noteworthy beer, wine and cocktail offering is underscored by a menu of share-style dishes and refined bar snacks, with Sydney chef Mark Lloyd (most recently Coogee Bay Hotel) heading the kitchen. The sea-based dishes utilise the best local catches – think citrus and star anise-cured salmon with whipped horseradish cream and watermelon, split and charred eastern king prawns with wasabi tobiko roe and salted-lemon mayonnaise, and pan-fried perch with roasted fennel and citrus dressing. Stick a fork into the lamb cutlets with cucumber jus, or indulge in sauteed haloumi with pickled kohlrabi, mandarin and mint. Late-night snackers have their own menu, with choices like a European-style cheese board and a Pyengana cheddar, horseradish and pastrami toastie.
Craft House opens to the public on Friday August 10.
Head to our Stumble Guide for opening hours, location and contact details.
