The first beers rolled out of the Margaret River Beer Co way back in 2016, with the small, family-owned operation quickly solidifying itself as the brewery for Margaret River. With a keen focus on servicing the region with quality craft beer and genuine hospitality, the three families behind the operation soon found themselves on a journey of steady evolution.
Back then, the brewery was known as Brewhouse Margaret River but that evolution has seen the name transition to Margaret River Brewhouse and then, in 2023, Margaret River Beer Co, with rebrands, a move into cans with state-wide distribution, and the commissioning of a new brewery ahead of summer 2023/24 all part of their journey too.
Through all of those changes, much has stayed the same, not least the brewery’s core values and offering. Their Karri tree-flanked venue is still all about delivering family-friendly hospitality and the beers are still approachable – geared towards effortless consumption. Importantly, too, the brewery has grown in just about every way.
As co-owner Iliya Hastings put it at the time of the new brewery coming online: “Margaret River Beer Co has grown as a business but, at the same time, expanded the support for our community. We have built a legacy for locals with the Brewhouse as a meeting point, a place to celebrate, commiserate and enjoy genuine south-west hospitality, and we’ve extended that by making great beer for enjoyment over all of WA.
“That expansion has allowed us to invest more in our community, with more brewers, suppliers, spent grain for farmers, as well as a brand that will add to the depth of Margaret River as a premium beverage and tourist region.”
Although it's one of many breweries in WA’s greater South West, their home acts as something of a hub within the famed winery region for locals and tourists alike. With a longstanding reputation as an ever-reliable people's pub, the Brewhouse is frequently buzzing with those visiting for any number of attractions, among them the thriving craft beer scene itself.
The venue is located a short walk from Margaret River's bustling town centre, nestled behind an iconic 1940s weatherboard cottage overlooking a terraced lawn area and children’s play area. It’s close enough to town to be easily accessible, but far enough away to retain a secluded, picturesque ambience.
Within the airy space is a bar pouring 12 beers and a busy open kitchen that pumps out approachable but creative plates, designed for dining within the relaxed surrounds with beer in hand. Think rich and spicy tomato sauce-laced mussels and classically-styled beef burgers or fish and chips; or, if you're feeling more adventurous, shoot for the decadent cheeseburger roti or Japanese Ceasar salad with pork belly.
Of the beers on tap, seven are core range, including the popular In The Pines NEIPA, River Dog South West Coast IPA, Kolsch & Megsy Ginger Beer. Seasonals are consistent high performers: their elite-level Panther Cream (a barrel-aged imperial stout) is a regular trophy-winner, while hop-forward offerings like 8 Ball double IPA are brewed on the reg thanks to their growing cult status among hopheads.
For Margaret River Beer Co, the overriding MO has always been to brew great beer while supporting the local, tourist, and homebrewing communities. Since launching, the Brewhouse, as it's affectionately known by the locals, has not only ticked those boxes but assured itself a position in the list of the South West’s must-visit craft breweries.
And while they continue to grow and evolve, their values remain firmly rooted in the family-orientated traditions with which they launched, with the punters who walk through the doors still at the heart of what they do.
“There’s been a swag of challenges as you could imagine,” Iliya says. “An increasingly challenging beer industry, high build and manufacturing costs, specialised labour availability, et cetera, et cetera.
“It’s highlighted the need to develop a sustainable and realistic business, to never take our eyes off our Brewhouse punters and an experience that is uniquely Margaret River, and to be true to the brand we have created.”
And, as a South West local, I’ll happily drink to that.
Jono Outred
