Stomping Ground's Melbourne Airport Brewpub Is Now Open for Pre-Flight Pints

The Aussie-first venue has an on-site brewery and 24 beer taps — and it's serving up food all day.
Libby Curran
February 11, 2020

Melbourne, we have lift-off. Collingwood brewery Stomping Ground has officially opened the doors to Australia's first working airport brewery, located inside domestic Terminal 3 at the Melbourne Airport. And we'll happily snub the overpriced sushi in favour of some pre-flight beers and pub grub.

The new 330-square-metre venue takes its cues from Stomping Ground's OG Gipps Street beer hall, even imagined by the same award-winning designers Studio Y. You'll find a big central bar at its heart, bold murals from local artist Justine McAllister adorning the walls and a six-hectolitre brewery system on show behind glass. Up to 30 beers will be brewed on-site each year, which means even the regular jetsetter should be able to find something new to sip each time they swing by.

There are 24 taps devoted to house brews — such as the Hop Stomper West Coast IPA, sour Key Lime Smash, nutty Upside Down brown ale and nitro milk stout Bearbrass — and another six pouring wines, including drops like the Mornington Peninsula's Quealy pinot grigio. Mixed six-beer tasting paddles and takeaway tinnies are also on offer.

An all-day food lineup from Stomping Ground Executive Chef Ben Isaacs features breakfast options (available 6am–12pm), alongside contemporary pub-style share plates and mains. Fuel up for that early morning flight with the likes of a passion fruit bircher or go large with the brewer's brekkie — a hearty serve of bacon, mushrooms, roast tomato, andouille sausage, kale and eggs. Later in the day, there are bites like a classic chicken schnitty, a twice-cooked lamb shoulder with tahini dressing, ricotta dumplings and grilled haloumi with figs.

The new permanent venture follows Stomping Ground's popular summer pop-up beer garden, which graced a space in between Terminals 3 and 4 in both 2017 and 2018.

It's also just one part of a major hospitality overhaul for Melbourne Airport's Terminals 2 and 3. Acclaimed chef Shane Delia will open his new concept Moors by Shane Delia here, Scott Pickett is set to unveil a new outpost of his produce-driven Pickett's Deli & Rotisserie and coffee favourites Cobb Lane, Axil Coffee Roasters and Proud Mary are also set to call the airport home. Over in the international terminal, you'll find a new outpost of St Ali, too.

Find Stomping Ground in Terminal 3, Pier E (before Gates 4 and 6) at Melbourne Airport. It's open from 5am–9.30pm daily.

Published on February 11, 2020 by Libby Curran
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