Brisbane’s beer landscape continues to develop and evolve with the opening of the new James Squire Brewhouse at Southbank. The new brewhouse is run in conjunction with The Mantle Group which, amongst other things, runs the Pig & Whistle pub chain in Brisbane, including the newly opened Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley branch. The evolution of the Pig & Whistle chain is an interesting study into the changing face of beer in Brisbane.

Although it is often dismissed as the arch-typal faux English pub chain, The Pig & Whistle has always been a cut above, providing superior quality pub food and has poured a better range of imported and craft beers for far longer than many would give it credit for. The ‘British Pub’ shtick has gradually been watered down too, to the point that the new Brunswick Street opening shows barely any trace of the olde worlde pub. It is a modern, refined venue with great pub food and a tap list that has no conceit about labelling its offering, it just serves beer. It offers everything from the mainest of ‘mainstream’ offerings, such as Hahn Superdry and XXXX Gold, through to ‘craft’ offerings from Stone & Wood and Fortitude Brewing. For them though, it’s just ‘beer’ and a selection that reflects the cross-section of beer drinkers without labelling the drinker or the beer.

Brews News hasn’t had a chance to take up the offer of a pre-opening visit of the James Squire Brewhouse, but it’s an impressive looking venue and run by smart operators and looks to add to the growing beer precinct in South Brisbane that includes Tomahawk Bar, Hoo Ha Bar and BOSC. [MK]

Media Release

Calling all charming scoundrels and rascal romantics…

James Squire’s Brisbane Brewhouse now open!

THERE is a new rogue in South Bank.

The life of Australia’s first brewer and charming rogue, James Squire, is the central theme for Brisbane’s new brewhouse The Charming Squire.

The Charming Squire, formed through a partnership between renowned hospitality group Mantle Group and the James Squire beer brand, opened its doors on 28 August and is set to charm Brisbane residents and visitors.

Located at 133 Grey Street Brisbane, the unique venue boasts an industrial and open plan design that aims to encourage customers to become intimately acquainted with the brewing process thanks to the on-site brewery, and to explore the many and diverse flavours and styles of James Squire craft beers and ciders.

Mantle Group’s director Godfrey Mantle said the local team have put a lot of time and energy towards the interiors and the material palate to create a crafted and textured space that will create a contemporary atmosphere for people curious to explore new flavours.

“For many years now, we have wanted to open a venue at South Bank as we feel the precinct is a vibrant area that will become one of the city’s leading dining and entertainment hubs,” Mr Mantle said.

“We feel this venue will be a welcome addition for South Bank and the surrounding artistic and business community.

“We are incredibly proud of this venue and look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to Brisbane to The Charming Squire.

“The Charming Squire was a natural progression for Mantle Group who over the years has become one of the biggest draught beer accounts in Queensland and were very early supporters of the craft beer industry in Brisbane.”

Head of Craft Beer at Lion, Brett Grebert, said, “the James Squire brand has always epitomised and celebrated doing things a bit differently, and this is brought to life in the unique way each of our venues pays homage to the beauty of beer and the flair and skill required to brew a good drop.

“Naturally, we’re excited about the opening of The Charming Squire, our first Brewhouse based in Queensland, and we look forward to working with our partners at Mantle Group to share our passion for brewing great beer with customers.

“Brisbane locals are known for their love of good beer, which can be seen through the city’s strong craft beer scene, and we’re looking forward to helping continue to grow the culture around beer appreciation, and building knowledge around beer and food matching.”

The combination of high ceilings, repurposed timber and quality yet minimalist finishes truly brings to life the extraordinary story of James Squire and follows the fascinating process of brewing craft beer.

The split level venue has a purpose-built brewery upstairs with direct lines down to the main bar, which was made out of copper. There are two function spaces upstairs overlooking the main bar and South Bank. The function spaces include a separate bar, internal lift and staircase and facilities with a one-way mirror looking over the brewery.

Downstairs, the main bar and keg room is the primary visual focus with design features such as a floor to ceiling amber glass allowing guests to view the whole process from brewing to the bar.

The main bar includes outdoor seating and leads into the restaurant, which is lined with curtains made out of copper and custom-built leather booth seating.

The kitchen has a coal spit roast and a wood fire spit roast, which will showcase a number of local produce. Through strategic placement of windows, the large kitchen is viewable from the restaurant and for customers walking past the venue.

At the South Brisbane train station end, the venue also has a deli called the Brewer’s Store, which will serve breakfast, coffee and lunch options for commuters and surrounding workers.

The bar carries the full range of nine James Squire beers, two ciders and as well as brews made on site all paired with an inspired food menu.

The menu will feature dishes that complement the wide variety of flavours of the James Squire craft beer range and have been developed by Mantle Group’s executive chef Deniz Coskun.

The Charming Squire is James Squire’s sixth brew venue in Australia, joining The Generous Squire Perth, The Squires’s Maiden Newcastle, The Curious Squire Adelaide, The Squire’s Bounty Hobart, and The James Squire Brewhouse at the Portland Hotel Melbourne. The new Charming Squire in Brisbane is the largest.

The James Squire team will bring their passion for craft brewing and flavour expertise from running the home of James Squire; the Malt Shovel Brewery, to operate the brewery at The Charming Squire.

The Charming Squire is open seven days a week from 11am to late, with the Brewer’s Store open for breakfast. The Mantle Group and Lion are committed to the responsible promotion and service of alcohol.

www.thecharmingsquire.com.au
(07) 3077 7254
133 Grey Street, South Brisbane Q 4101