Overview
Abbotsford is about to gain a major addition to its beer scene when Bodriggy Brewing Co opens next month. The brewpub and bottle shop will sit in a converted mechanics warehouse along Johnston Street. It'll fit 400 all up and feature an impressive 64 tap bar, along with Latin American eats by an ex-Vue de Monde chef.
The new venue is the work of the owners of Dr Morse (which is located just across the street), Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels and Peter Walsh, who have been brewing under the Bodriggy brand for two years now. Head Brewer Tristan Barlow is creating seven new beers for the venue's launch, including a New England IPA called Cosmic Microwave. The brewery's existing pale ale and lactose sour brews will also be included on the whopping 64 tap list — as well as wine and cocktails.
In the kitchen, Chef John Dominguez (Vue de Monde, Dinner by Heston) will be serving up pulled pork tacos, whole grilled cauliflower with chimichurri and fried jalapeño tacos with smoked fish, pickled onions and cabbage. Plenty of tequila and mezcal will be on offer to complement the food, too — those are courtesy of the bar team: Mikey Braun (Black Pearl) and Max Hart (Boilermaker House).
Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels and Peter Walsh
The warehouse reno has been led by builder, designer and co-owner Daniels, whose past projects have included The Aviary and Plug Nickel. Expect an airy space that uses organic and salvaged materials — old balustrades from the Melbourne Cricket Grounds have been used to frame the toilets, for example, and the dining lamps were recovered from the Palais Theatre. A large planter box also sits central in the space.
And, if that isn't already enough, live music and DJs will play regularly at the brewpub, too. We'll see you there.
Bodriggy Brewing Co will open this August at 245 Johnston Street, Abbotsford. Keep an eye on this space for exact opening date.