The First Melbourne Brew Bar From Scottish Beer Giant BrewDog Opens Next Week

It's safe to say legendary Scottish brewery BrewDog is having a bit of a moment in Australia right now. After opening its first local venue in Brisbane in 2019, it followed up with news of a bunch more Aussie outposts this year, announcing plans to expand into Melbourne, Sydney and further in Brisbane.

That second Queensland bar threw open its doors this month. And now, it's Melbourne's turn, as the brewery's much-anticipated Pentridge bar gears up to welcome beer-lovers from 12pm on Friday, November 25.

Render of BrewDog Pentridge

We already knew it was going to be a hefty project, created in partnership with Australian Venue Co (Harlow, The Smith, State of Grace). Now, we've got an even better idea of just what that looks like. Namely, a $3 million beer bar spanning two levels within the E Division building of the historic prison site. At 12,000 square feet, it's got room for 500 punters; complete with a ground floor dining room and den, three upstairs function spaces, and a beer garden with its own container bar and dedicated games area.

From the bar comes a 20-strong tap beer lineup, starring numerous BrewDog drops alongside a rotation of guest brews. Here's hoping favourites like the Dead Pony Club Session IPA, the Passionfruit Blitz sour and the American-style IPA they call Elvis Juice will be making an appearance.

To match those sips, you'll find a sprawling menu of classic pub fare, featuring an impressive ratio of plant-based and gluten-free options, no less. It jumps from a range of schnitties, parmas and burgers — including one done with XPA-braised brisket — to pizzas and a whole stack of wing varieties. Grazing plates include the likes of buffalo chicken loaded fries, and haloumi with native pepper berry; while the Hoppy Meal option gets you a burger, a side and a beer icypole for $25.95.

Like all good pubs, weekly specials abound here — from Monday's two-for-one vegan menu, to an all-you-can-eat wings situation each Wednesday.

Sydney is also mere weeks away from having a BrewDog of its own, with today's news the South Eveleigh outpost is set to launch on Friday, December 2.

BrewDog Fortitude Valley

Render of BrewDog Pentridge

Find BrewDog Pentridge at Pentridge Prison, E Building, T101/1 Champ St, Coburg, from 12pm on November 25.