Lion has finally confirmed the rumours that it is to open a James Squire-branded brewery bar in Brisbane’s South Bank precinct.

The Kirin-owned brewery has partnered with The Mantle Group, which owns such bars as The Pig & Whistle chain, to bring the concept to life in time for next year’s G20 meeting in the city.

The Pig & Whistle isn’t generally listed amongst Brisbane’s rapidly growing list of good beer bars, though it probably should (and has). While it has a predominantly mainstream beer focus, it is still a major venue that has given tap space to new and independent craft breweries for some. It has also been quite discriminating in its selection, including being among the first venues to feature Stone & Wood Pacific Ale when it launched, as well as the new Original Golden Ale from Fortitude Brewing. With their track record, it will be interesting to see how the Mantle Group gives life to the James Squire concept.

The announcement comes as Brisbane has experienced a flood of smaller craft beer venues of late, including Souhbank’s plans to encourage a small craft bar to open close to the James Squire brewery bar, the excellent The Statler & Waldorf and the soon-to-open Brewski, both in Caxton Street.

Exciting times for Brisbane…[MK]

Media Release

Home of the charming rogue to open in Brisbane

Brisbane James Squire brew bar brewing

21 October 2013

James Squire has revealed Brisbane is the next city to open a newly-designed brew bar that showcases the flavoursome beers, which carry the name of Australia’s first brewer in a truly unique setting.

The bespoke venue developed in partnership with Mantle Group is due to open in early 2014. Ideally located within Brisbane’s cultural precinct in Southbank, the brew bar will carry the full range of James Squire craft beers and seasonal brews on tap, paired with an inspired food menu.

Inspired by the character of James Squire and the times in which he lived, the venue will feature raw materials to evoke a sense of history and storytelling. Amber glass, iron and repurposed wood will combine as features in an otherwise modern setting.

Brett Grebert, Craft Director at Lion said: “We are really excited about the new Queensland addition to the five James Squire Brew Bars around the country. It’s testament to the popularity of the unique environment and experience that the Brew Bars offer as to why we are expanding the family of venues.”

Chairman of Mantle Group, Godfrey Mantle said: “The amazing site at Grey Street lends itself to all the components we were looking for – size, open fit out, rawness and a perfect location. It also provides a blank canvas to create a venue that Australia’s first commercial brewer, James Squire, himself would stop and have a drink in.”

Dr. Chuck Hahn, James Squire Master Brewer and founder of the Malt Shovel Brewery, says James Squire brew bars are a place of discovery and charm: “James Squire was an extremely interesting individual – a charming rouge, jack of all trades, lover of women and a man of many tastes and talents. With each of the venues we open, we hope to share his quirky personality and the many stories that come of his life along with our James Squire range of beers” said Dr Hahn.

Brisbane’s James Squire brew bar will join established James Squire venues across Australia including The Curious Squire (Adelaide), The Generous Squire (Perth), The Squires Bounty(Hobart), James Squire Brewhouse (Melbourne) and The Squire’s Maiden (Newcastle).

About James Squire

James Squire has won countless awards, trophies and medals for its flavoursome beers. In 2012, James Squire picked up four awards at the Australian International Beer Awards for The Chancer Golden Ale, Sundown Australian Lager, Mad Brewers Hoppy Hefe, & Nine Tales Amber Ale. James Squire also won gold in 2010 for Sundown Lager and was awarded the best Bohemian-style Pilsener at the World Beer Cup 2008.

About The Mantle Group

Mantle Group is 100% privately owned by Godfrey and Jenny Mantle. The group’s business investments include property, hospitality, education and agriculture throughout Australia and overseas. As one of Brisbane’s largest and longest running food and beverage operators, Godfrey and Jenny established their successful hospitality business in Brisbane in 1979 and in 1982 became one of the first retailers in Queen Street Mall. Today, Mantle Group operates Queen Street’s Pig ‘N’ Whistle, Jimmy’s on the Mall, Café East and Milano along one of Australia’s busiest pedestrian malls. The group also includes two other Pig ‘N’ Whistle restaurants at Riverside and Indooroopilly, the Queensland State Library Café, Phuc Deli-Viet and a catering company Mantle &Cook.

About Lion

Lion brings together great household brand names including Tooheys, Dairy Farmers, XXXX, PURA, Hahn, Berri, Speight’s, King Island Dairy, Boag’s, Yoplait, Wither Hills and COON. We believe business success comes from investing in our people and brands and by constructively engaging our stakeholders. Lion employs over 7,000 people across Australia and New Zealand and delivers revenues in excess of AU$5 billion.

In addition to direct employment, we make a significant contribution to the Australian and New Zealand economies. We are one of the region’s largest purchasers of agricultural goods and an integral component of the retail, hospitality and tourism industries.

Our products accompany life’s sociable moments, whether it’s a family meal or good times at the pub with friends. Dairy, juice, soy and the responsible enjoyment of alcohol beverages are all part of a healthy lifestyle for many people and we aim to maximise the community wellbeing arising from the enjoyment of our products while playing a leading role in helping the community minimise misuse.