James Squire is opening a new brewhouse this week on the Sunshine Coast, at the iconic Mooloolaba Wharf. ‘The Savvy Squire’ is the brand’s third venue in Queensland, created in partnership with Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH).
The opening is intended to serve Queenslanders’ growing love of craft beer, with IRI data showing that craft beer sales in the state have risen by 14 per cent in the past year.
Malcolm Eadie, Lion’s Brand Director of Craft, said they are excited to see the potential of an Australian brand at the perfect Australian location.
“We are thrilled to add another chapter to the James Squire story, the namesake brand of a convict who became Australia’s first brewer, with the opening of our latest brewhouse on the Sunshine Coast.
“Mooloolaba Wharf is a hub for locals as well as thousands of visitors each year, who can now enjoy their favourite James Squire brew paired with a delicious meal in a quintessential Queensland setting, overlooking the scenic Mooloolah River,” said Eadie.
Located on the newly revitalised wharf, the brewhouse takes over from what was formerly The Wharf Tavern and will boost employment in the area with 50 new jobs on offer.
Design of the new brewhouse is true to the James Squire style, quite different from the old Tavern and nightclub that once resided there. The interior has been stripped back to showcase the original brickwork, complemented with copper, timber and black metal accents.
Like the physical design, the menu also heroes the James Squire style and products. Head Chef Neil Mann said creative drivers behind the menu are contemporary pub classics combined with the best that the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
“The menu has been inspired by The Savvy Squire’s gorgeous waterfront location in Mooloolaba,” said Mann. “We have pub classics like the Squires Fish and Chips and Chicken Parmigiana, as well as some unique dishes made using local seafood and fresh produce from the local hinterlands.”
“We are also excited to hero the James Squire range in some of our signature dishes such as our Crispy Chicken Wings with a One Fifty Lashes glaze and Pork Chops with Orchard Crush Confit Apples. For me, it is all about pushing the boundaries of pub food and surprising our visitors,” said Mann.
The Savvy Squire opens its doors on Thursday, 29 August on Mooloolaba Wharf.