Gage Roads Brew Co new brewery in Fremantle opens next Thursday and for those connected with the business, it feels like ‘coming home’.
Gage Roads’ Brew Chief, Aaron Heary says, “Fremantle is a place that Gage Roads Brew Co has always been closely connected to. I’ve been with Gage Roads since day one, when two brothers and a few mates had an idea and passion to start a truly West Australian brewery. Our name and identity was inspired by the stretch of ocean that separates Rottnest and Freo. It’s a special place to all of us, where we’ve spent countless good times.”
Located on the Walyalup Waterfront, Mr Heary says that Gage Roads Freo will bring new life to Fremantle’s port, transforming the area’s iconic “A Shed” into a brewery, restaurant, bar and family-friendly venue. Built in 1926, the 100-metre-long former cargo shed’s heritage has been retained throughout the build.
Gage Roads Brew Co worked closely with Fremantle Ports to preserve and protect the building’s heritage, with 100-year-old jarrah from the previous shed and berth repairs used as bar tops and the heritage listed original clerk’s office retained as a tasting room. The microbrewery is part of the Western Australian Government’s vision to transform Victoria Quay into a major tourism and recreation precinct.
When he visited the site late last year, Premier Mark McGown said, “Victoria Quay’s transformation into a new hospitality and tourism precinct for Western Australia is well underway, with exciting work happening to preserve and enhance this historic part of Fremantle.
“Local WA brewer Gage Roads is undertaking this terrific project to revitalise the old A Shed facility, maintaining its unique history while offering a brand new hospitality venue for Western Australians and visitors alike.”
Before entering the venue, patrons are greeted by the distinctive artwork from illustrator and long-time collaborator Andy Murphy on the outdoor silo.
Mr Murphy’s art work has been displated on Gage Road’s stubby and tins for the past fifteen years.
Once inside, patrons will feel part of the action with brewers hard at work on the 25-hectolitre, 16 tank brew-kit, crafting the full range of Gage Roads beers that you’ll see on tap.
Mr Heary said, “It was always an ambitious project converting an old heritage dockside shed into a fully operational brewery, bar and restaurant. But we’ve always loved a challenge. We’ve created a fun, unpretentious venue with fresh beer and epic food that’s all about good times.”
“Gage Roads has been around for more than 15 years, but we’ve never had a place to show people what we’re all about. That’s what’s so exciting about Gage Roads Freo. We’re pumped to throw the doors open, get the good times flowing and bring our spiritual home to life to show everyone who we truly are. And one thing I can guarantee, it’s going to be the freshest beer in town!”
Every Gage Roads beer available at the venue is brewed onsite, with beers pouring direct from tank to tap.
Single Fin Summer Ale, Pipe Dreams Coastal Lager and Side Track All Day XPA are all available as well as a roster of of brewery-only exclusive brews. Gage Roads Freo Head Brewer Simone Clements is kicking off with two brewery exclusives, including Hazy As Tropical Hazy Pale Ale and Off the Wharf Red IIPA, with a third brew, Tropic Wonder Pineapple Mango Sour being tapped in early February.
Ms Clements says: “I’m really excited to be the inaugural head brewer here at Gage Roads Freo. While I love the challenge of brewing our core-range beers on site, I’m really stoked to be able to flex some creative muscle with a rotating roster of brewery-only special releases.”
Gage Roads Freo Brewery, Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle opens on Thursday, 20 January and trades Monday through Sunday from 10.30am until late.
