Wednesday, August 28, 2024

10 South West breweries that do a fantastic lunch

Western Australia’s South West might be renowned for its fine wine, but its craft brewery scene is fast becoming one of the region’s main drawcards.

 

Nothing brings people together quite like a beer at a South West brewery or tap house. Located between towering gum trees, surrounded by grassy green pastures, overlooking ocean vistas and perched next to glistening dams, our craft breweries present the perfect meeting grounds for a truly West Australian experience.

 

In fact, we think they encapsulate everything we love about the South West: beautiful settings, plenty of space, the best of company, and the essence of the land in a pint, schooner, bowl, plate or hand.

 

One of our favourite things about some of our local breweries is their people-pleasing food-and-brew menus. You are always guaranteed wholesome, hearty, indulgent and easy eats at these establishments, which we recommend for a top-notch, South West-infused lunch.

 

Top 10 South West Breweries That Do a Fantastic Lunch

 

Wild Hop Brewing Company

One of our go-to venues for a family-friendly feast, Wild Hop is masterfully designed for every man, child and dog. Overlooking a dam and surrounded by trees, this walk-in venue features a playground for the kids, plenty of grassy green areas for your pooch and lots of indoor/outdoor space for fun and games. Wild Hop’s brewers know how to make a tasty tipple, but if you’re overwhelmed with the selection, start with a tasting paddle paired with truffle jalapeno popcorn, then grab a pint of your fave and enjoy with a few dishes off one of the best brew menus out there. Do try the pickles. Don’t wait to order the rotisserie chook; pre-book instead!

Love a few beers? Our luxury rural property Wildwood Grove is just around the corner, so there’s no need for a skipper!

 

Beerfarm

Once upon a time, Metricup was prime dairy farming country. Just 30km southwest of Busselton and 22km north of Margaret River, this pretty little area is now home to wild animals, wineries, a chocolate factory, and an outrageously-good brewery. Beerfarm has a farm-like feel, housed in a barn and complete with a fireplace, dogs, and a slip-and-slide into its large dam. This brewery is a popular stop for those wanting to experience, as the name suggests, both beer and a farm. Expect mostly share plates, full of yummy options like sticky lamb ribs, charred WA occy and Jerusalem artichoke croquettes. The farm have a core range of brews, and a regular run of limited releases that they produce in collaboration with innovative local producers.

Beerfarm, Metricup

Margaret River Brewhouse

Another popular Margaret River watering hole, Brewhouse describes itself as “the town’s brewery”. It’s on the north bank of the Margaret River, amongst the karri trees and in the backyard of an old settler’s shack. With its ever-changing menu, regular music and events, and its range of lagers, pilsners, ales and stouts, Brewhouse has something to satisfy everybody. Grab a table or stretch out on the grass and enjoy their carefully thought-out dishes: sticky pork, duck curry, tempura tofu, and lemon ricotta with burnt honey on flatbread. Plus, they have a good selection of desserts for the sweet-toothed among us.

 

Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co (Caves Road)

Nestled between the vines found along Caves Road, Cheeky Monkey presents a much-need break in usual Margaret River wine programming. Beerhall-style, the Cheeky Monkey OG (there’s also taphouses in Vasse and Rockingham) is a great place to spend a lazy day/afternoon. You’ll be able to embrace your inner monkey with plenty of room inside and out to swing about, a cheeky brew and a naughty snack.

 

CBCo Brewing

Located along Osmington Road, just outside of the Margaret River township, CBCo Brewing is a farm-style brewery that boasts heaps of space; there’s indoor and outdoor uncover areas, outdoor picnic table setups, a huge, sandpit playground for the littlies, and a (newly undercover) driving range overlooking a dam. Their pizza (gluten-free and vegan options available) is a crowd-pleaser, their OG chicken wings a menu mainstay, and their beer – well, there’s something quite literally for everyone. Have a non-beer drinker in your party? Order them a Bertie Blood Orange Cider.

 

Settlers Tavern & Margaret River Ale Company

Locals and frequent visitors know Settlers as the friendly local pub in Margret River, but what isn’t as well known is that they brew their own hand-crafted boutique beer as the Margaret River Ale Co. Try their Day Tr’ipa India Pale Ale, or the Great White Ale, which has a touch of orange peel, star anise, coriander seeds and juniper berries. Settlers is unlike other breweries in that it’s also a bustling tavern, so you’ll experience a different atmosphere here. There are loads of choices on the bistro menu, live music (around 150 live acts throughout the year), open mic nights, and lots more.

 

Eagle Bay Brewing Co

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Eagle Bay Brewing Co is the perfect place for lunch with a view (of Eagle Bay, of course). Perched above farmland and the glistening Indian Ocean, this brewery offers easy, casual dining for the whole family – think woodfired pizzas, fish and chips and shared plate options. Wash it all down with an Eagle Bay Pale Ale or opt for something a bit thicker: the cocao husk-infused Cacao Stout.

Looking for more Eagle Bay views? You’ll love this new abode – Eagle Bay Beach House.

Eagle Bay Brewery, Eagle Bay

 

Boston Brewing Co.

Boston Brewing Co. is one of a kind. Found nestled between ancient karri forests and the rugged, sparsely populated southern coastline of Denmark, Boston’s “Brewpub” serves handcrafted beers and wines alongside an original lunch and evening menu. Many ingredients are drawn from the surrounding region, including Mount Barker quail and Denmark marron. On cool, winter days/nights, cosy on up by the indoor fireplace and feast on sticky pork belly bites and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. When the sun’s shining, let the kids go wild in the playground while you sit back, sip Denmark-themed brews and devour a slice of pizza (or two).

 

Rocky Ridge

Rocky Ridge’s story starts on a five-generation family farm in Jindong – one that successfully transitioned from homegrown sheep to homegrown hops and now, a delicious, award-winning range of certified sustainable beers that can be taste tested at Rocky Ridge’s Taphouse in Busselton. Formerly a 1930s family home, the newly refurbed taphouse features 40 taps of free-flowing, eco-brews and mouth-watering burgers by Bobby’s Busselton.

Rocky Ridge, Jindong

Shelter Brewing Co.

You’ll find Shelter Brewing Co. a little down the way. Blessed with a premier beachfront location – right along the idyllic Geographe Bay – Shelter is a haven for beer, food and beach lovers alike. This cashless venue is what laidback Busselton holidays are made of. Swan in post-beach dip for a thirst-quenching bevvie, catch up with friends while the kids play in the caravan-themed play area, or let your hair down at one of the brewery’s many events. Food-wise, you can’t go wrong with a big ‘ol bowl of chilli mussels. Travelling with kids? They’ll love a Spider.

Shelter Brewing, Busselton

 

Looking for the perfect base for a brewtiful holiday? Book one of these Private Properties, which are only a hop, skip and jump away from our craft brewery faves.

 

You might also like: 

The best eateries you may not have heard of

Best BBQ spots in the South West

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