Gage Roads Brew Co is set to open its first-ever venue, with the brewery, restaurant, bar and family-friendly venue in Fremantle overlooking the strip of ocean that first inspired the brewery.
Gage Roads Freo is located in the iconic ‘A Shed’ on the Walyalup Waterfront at Fremantle’s port with views of the Freo harbour, port and the stretch of ocean that separates the mainland from Rottnest.
The former 100-metre-long cargo shed was built in 1926 and its heritage has been retained throughout the build with the main bar being crafted with recycled jarrah that was reclaimed from the view and the original heritage listed clerk’s office now home to ‘The Green Room’ which will hold tastings, special events and private functions.
Gage Roads Brew Co’s Aaron Heary says the team is honoured to help shape the next phase of Freo’s development.
“Fremantle is a place that Gage Roads Brew Co has always been closely connected to,” Heary said.
“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.
“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.”
The venue includes a 25-hectolitre, 16 tank brew-kit which will craft the full range of Gage Roads beers and every beer available to drink at the venue will be brewed onsite, with beers pouring direct from tank to tap.
Along with the full core range of Gage faves including Single Fin Summer Ale, Pipe Dreams Coastal Lager and Side Track All Day XPA, beer lovers will also enjoy a rotating list 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.
“I’m really excited to be the inaugural head brewer here at Gage Roads Freo,” Clements said.
“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. The first three limited releases are beers I truly love. And they’re tasting great.
“Craft beer lovers will be excited to try something new that’s only available for a limited time, while Gage fans will be able to lean into their adventurous side and give something new a crack.”
Gage Roads said the venue was designed to complement and highlight the site’s heritage and iconic location. Adding, “while there are several alfresco areas looking out across the water, the wharf side alfresco area is lined with share tables and stand-up areas, with no better view of the Freo Port and Gage Roads itself”.
With a capacity of 1500 patrons, Gage Roads Freo opens Thursday, January 20.