Now Open: West End's Parched Brewing Has Relaunched Under New Owners as The Brew Baron Beer Co

A new name has joined Brisbane's ever-growing craft beer scene, but The Brew Baron Beer Co isn't exactly a new brewery. Instead, it's a fresh guise for West End's Parched Brewing. This is a case of new owners, new moniker and new fictional character to base the brand around, but the same brews and space on Montague Road.

Brad Sayer, Rita Ferraro and Gibran Ferraro Firmo purchased Parched back in June, then set about giving it a revamp. That's where the changed title comes in for this husband, wife and stepson trio, as well as the baron figure. Sayer and Ferraro have overseen the fresh direction — including new additions to the brewery's home — while Gibran has deployed his skills as a chef to spearhead a food menu makeover.

First, the space: if you're keen on whiling away an evening with a cue in your hand, you'll want to head straight to the pool room. On the way is a brand-new deck, too, for cruisy drinking sessions. And if you're eager to watch sports as you knock back a few cold ones, big-screen TVs have joined the site, while leather chesterfield couches will be in place by the time that September is out.

Live music is also making a comeback at The Brew Baron Beer Co, echoing from the Brew Stage from 2–5pm every second Sunday. Prefer trivia over a tipple instead? That's now a Thursday-night staple from 6.30pm, and is free to enter.

As for the food, Gibran has taken inspiration from his South American heritage, which comes through in both flavours and dishes among a heap of pub classics. Think: pork tacos with chipotle mayo and chilli con carne nachos, for starters. The menu also includes karaage chicken tacos, tempura prawns, five types of burger, seven styles of pizza, fish 'n' chips, and both schnitzels and parmigianas. Or, there's the birramisu pie, which pairs ten-hour braised beef cheek with peas and mashed potato.

Drinks-wise, The Brew Baron Beer Co's sips include pale ale, lager, IPA and a hazy IPA, plus a peach and raspberry sour. Matt Wolfe remains as Head Brewer, with developing new brews part of his remit.

 

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"My wife, stepson and I have purchased the brewery, and made the changes that we think will improve things, for our customers" said Sayer, The Brew Baron Beer Co's Managing Director.

"Gibran, is a qualified chef, and has led improvements to the food menu by using fresher ingredients, introducing his native South American flavours and adding more value-for-money pricing. In the brewhouse, we've been fortunate to keep long-standing great brewer Matt Wolfe, but given him greater autonomy to do what he does best — brew great beers."

"And we've changed the customer area to provide a more engaging and comfortable experience. Finally, our customers will find Gibran and/or me onsite, at all times, so they can approach us and share their thoughts directly with us."

"The brewery remains a small, West End family-owned and -operated business. With the support of the West End community, we'll continue operating and supporting it."

Find The Brew Baron Beer Co at 391 Montague Road, West End from 12pm–late Wednesday–Sunday.