Overview
Didn't think the inner west needed another place to drink craft beer? Well, meet Staves Brewery: the newest in the new wave of microbreweries popping up in the area. Snugged next to the Broadway Shopping Centre on Grose Street, this is possibly the most unconventional spot for a brewpub yet. In fact, there's nothing to denote the speakeasy-style brewery apart from the words 'bar' and 'brewery' painted on the otherwise frosted windows. The building itself still has features from its steel fabrication workshop days, which adds to the industrial, alleyway feel of the fit-out.
To be fair, brewing is an industrial process, and the simple, barrel-focused interior is reminiscent of an English pub of old. It's not such a surprising venture from British owner Steven Drissell, whose impressive rap sheet boasts competitive beer judge, long time craft beer enthusiast and, of course, brewer. The space will ultimately be a fully functioning brewery, but while Drissell gets the space ready to brew his own batches of craft, Staves is operating as a brewpub.
For now, the eight taps will house a ton of local talent, like Wayward and Batch, as well as Holgate and some other Victorian favourites. But the craft selections aren't chosen with just the pros in mind. The beer menu caters to a wide range of people and tastes, says Drissell. "I've had people come in asking for the closest taste to Corona — I cater to people wherever they are on their craft beer journey."
Whether you're a beer geek searching for the next big craft beer or just looking to learn something new, Staves has the pint for you. "Once you go craft, you never go back," says Drissell with a cheeky smile. "Newcomers may not know that yet, but I sure do."
The brewery name game is more than just the Aussie pronunciation of Drissell's first name. It also refers to the thin piece of wood on a cask barrel and the lines on sheet music, essentially summing up what the bar is all about: music and brewing. Combining his two great loves in the one venue, Drissell aims to create the ultimate bar for inner westies. The plan is to make Staves the go-to for great craft — both the music and beer kind.
And live music and Staves' own brews aren't the only things to come — an upstairs pizza kitchen is also in the works. While it gears up, Staves will only be open weekends, with live music from 4pm every Sunday. So, when given the choice between grocery shopping and heading next store for some tunes, pizza and craft beer...well, you get where we're going with this.
Staves Brewery is located at 4-8 Grose Street, Glebe. At the moment, it's open Thursday to Friday 4pm – midnight, Saturday 11am – midnight, and Sunday 11am – 10pm with live acts from 4pm. Find out more at stavesbrewery.com