Big plans brewing at Brookes Beer site

The owner of the Mayfair Park brewery plans to serve drinks and run tours of the site once licensing permits have been issued.

“We’ve been going for about seven months and up until now, we’ve pretty much been a beer factory closed off to the public,” Doug Brooke said.

“We’re in the final stages of having our licence category changed to open up the front doors.

“We want to do that as soon as possible so that we can create a space where people can come in and try our beer.”

Mr Brooke said it would cost “tens of thousands of dollars” to create the changes, which will see new taps and pouring equipment installed.

He plans to double staff numbers to cater for new demand and offer food at the venue.

“We’re looking at novel ways we can present our beers to people and we want to keep our beer line up constantly changing,” he said.

“We can also filter beer through fresh hops to present it with an extra burst of fruitiness.

“The business will also trial a new way of buying beer through 1.25 litre or 2 litre takeaway containers.

“Instead of us spending lots of money on bottling and packaging which gets thrown away, you can sell beer without the cost of labelling.

“That will give more people the chance to take home the freshest beer possible.”

Licensing changes are likely to be approved within a fortnight, Mr Brookes said, with plans to open the new venture within a month.

“We’re experiencing fast growth,” he said.

“Brewing has been a bit stop-start, but we’re getting into the rhythm of brewing about 1000 to 2000 litres each week. 

“The venue will be open four days a week and there will be a bit of a trail developing between here and Bendigo with similar breweries in Woodend and Gisborne.

“We’re encouraging  people from Melbourne to come and visit.” 

Mr Brookes said a small food offering would be available with a long term plan to expand the menu. 

blair.thomson@fairfaxmedia.com.au