Let the good times flow

HOTLY anticipated locally-backed independent brewery Bendigo Brewing will triumphantly open its new venue to all and sundry today.

Located at 22 Farmer Lane across the creek from Dai Gum San, many Bendigonians will recognise the new brewpub as what was famously Palmer’s Gym for half a century.

Head brewer Evan Hunter, who began his career in 2008 at Seven Sheds Brewery in Tasmania, said he’s been on a “life-changing journey” since having an initial chat with Bendigo Brewing’s founders in February 2020.

“Since coming to Bendigo I’ve started a new career (teaching Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing) at TAFE) and I’ve stepped into my role here to help get this place to completion,” he said.

“I’ve bought a house and my wife and I now have an 18-month-old boy.

“When I first saw the venue it was an empty warehouse with a dirt floor, so I can’t tell you how satisfying it is that we’re almost there.”

He said the core range of beers he’ll be producing on the “really versatile” 1000-litre brewhouse will be “very much customer driven.”

“We’ll put the beers out that I’ve developed recipes for and see what people respond to, so the core range will kind of create itself,” he said.

Venue manager and Cicerone-qualified beer expert Nick Horgan, who took on his new role four weeks ago, said while preparations for the official launch have been “a power of work,” he’s also looking forward to being open and can’t wait for the public to finally taste their beer.

“Evan makes some amazing beers and they’re as fresh as you’ll get,” he said.

“To those people who’ve been a part of the brewery’s journey for a very long time, I encourage them to come in and experience it in its fruition.

“For the everyday punter, from a service point of view I want to project a good time and a relaxed atmosphere.

“We’re super excited to be able to show what we can do.”

Bendigo Brewing’s Grand Opening Party Weekend commences this afternoon from 5pm at 22 Farmer Lane. Further information is available on Bendigo Brewing’s Facebook page.