Craft beverage collective Mighty Craft has opened its second gastropub, The Mighty, in inner Melbourne.
The Moonee Ponds pub will highlight Mighty Crafts beer and spirit brands, and will also be headed up by some esteemed hospitality operators.
The venue – an old Sporting Globe site – has undergone an extensive renovation by architecture firm Studio Y, which has previously worked on venues such as Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel and Stomping Ground. The Mighty’s open concept interior focuses on natural light and an abundance of greenery over two storeys, with the main focus of the ground floor being the bistro, while the second floor is dominated by a bar offering.
The venue provides one space for patrons to sample all of the beverage brands under the Mighty Craft banner.
“The Mighty is all about creating a community and hub for our craft brands. We have some amazing partners from all around the country including Jetty Road Brewery, Foghorn Brewery, Torquay Beverage Company, Slipstream Brewing, Sauce Brewing Co, Kangaroo Island Spirits, Brogan’s Way, and Green Ant Gin,” stated Mighty Craft’s CEO Mark Haysman.
“You can experience all our products under the one roof and learn all about the art of craft in a fun and dynamic environment, while enjoying great food.”
Food is indeed the other focus of the pub, with the kitchen being lead by Heston Blumenthal protégé Adrian Corigiliano. The chef has spent the last five years working Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and Dinner kitchens.
At The Mighty, Corigliano describes the menu as “casual, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.” Signature dishes include salt-cured and charred prawn sticks with lime and chilli; sticky pork belly parcels, master stock, tamarind caramel, shallots and native leaves; Wagyu burger with smoked cheddar and onion jam; a classic schnitzel of buttermilk chicken; and an adults-only boozy ice cream sandwich with vanilla bean, chocolate cookie and hazelnut liqueur.
The menu is complemented by The Mighty’s 14 beers, ciders and seltzers on tap, beers from including Jetty Road Brewery, Slipstream Brewing Co, and Sauce Brewing. There is also a range of wines, spirits and cocktails, including the signature Brogan’s Barrel Negroni and the Kangaroo Island Spritz.
“We see The Mighty as a place for the greatest collection of craft; unique beers, spirits and ready to serve beverages created by current and future legends of the industry. Here you’ll find the hidden gems, local legends, the real deals, the undiscovered and rising stars. We’ve curated the stuff that Melbourne is craving,” stated Haysman.
Front of house will also have expert guidance, with Dennis Ferreira (ex- Vue de Monde, Jacques Reymond, Attica) overseeing the public bar, bistro and private event spaces.
The Mighty Moonee Ponds is Mighty Craft’s second venue, with the first Mighty opening in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales in early October.
Haysman chose Moonee Ponds as the second location because of the rapidly growing community of young people in the area who like to stay local and are increasingly receptive to craft beer and spirits.
“We believe Moonee Ponds to be an underserviced market and there’s an opening for a ‘new local’ like The Mighty where people can pop in for a quick drink after work or enjoy a leisurely lunch or relaxed dinner with friends.”
There are currently plans to open another 12 Mighty venues across Australia over the next two years.
