Precinct Brewing Co. is the latest venture from hospitality legend Scott Imlach (who you may remember from venues such as Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, Bine Bar & Dining, Mr Hilzola’s, Nightjar and Nightcap as well as The Backyard Cafe in Nobbys) alongside shopfitter pal Michael Craighead and long-time business partner Simone Tunbridge. This time around, the dream team also enlisted Tom Welch (the numbers guy) and head brewer Jeremy James to bring to life their collective dream of opening a brewery – just in time for summer sipping! Although it may seem like it has popped up out of nowhere, it’s actually been more than three (long) years in the making. Once the perfect venue had been secured and all of the necessary boxes ticked, the actual transformation only took seven weeks, which is pretty remarkable considering the sheer size and scope of the space. The former workshop now features an attention-grabbing graffiti-covered exterior, but as soon as you step foot through the doors you’ll be greeted by a sleek industrial fit-out with greenery cascading down from the exposed rafters, festoon lighting, polished concrete floors and some seriously impressive brewing equipment to eyeball. Long tables (complete with refurbished old church pews) line the middle of the space providing the perfect setting for those who feel like confessing their sins after a few tins.
Okay, enough about the aesthetic, let’s talk beer! Jeremy has been working with the fine folk at Stone & Wood for the past four years, so it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about making really excellent ale. This is good, because Precinct Brewing Co. features 12 taps plus four direct-pour tanks. The plan is to eventually fill them all with some clever concoctions, but for now there are five main Precinct-brewed drops to choose from, alongside some rotating guest beers. So far, the XPA has been a stand-out favourite, but the cheekily named Open Borders pale ale and refreshing rice lager have also tingled more than a few tastebuds. For those who aren’t a massive fan of beer, Precinct Brewing Co. offers a selection of local, sustainable wines, the full range of Mr. Consistent cocktails and Fizz Hard Seltzer to keep you from getting parched. As for the bites, the kitchen churns out a mix of beer-friendly share plates and pizzas. Guests can much their way through a cured-meat platter loaded with salami, prosciutto and pickled seasonal vegetables before curbing cravings with a serve of crispy fried chicken. The white- and red-base pizzas walk the line between traditional and contemporary, with flavours and ingredient combinations such as the pulled-beef wagyu, which features a white base loaded with slow-cook wagyu beef, cascabella peppers, provolone and rocket.
Keen to sip that sweet, delicious nectar of the gods? Jump over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.
