James Squire has opened its ninth brewhouse, with The Rogue Squire officially opening its doors at Wheelers Hill, 25 kms south-east of Melbourne’s CBD.
The brewer has fully restored the site, which originally became a hotel in 1857, and has included an upper level with a restaurant and casual dining space and terrace looking out over the Dandenong Ranges.
The full range of James Squire beers will be available as well as various limited edition brews including Malt Shovel Brewers – The Interceptor Black IPA and James Squire’s history making brew The Wreck Preservation Ale.
Head Chef, Darren McKinlay, has designed a menu inspired by the diversity of cuisine in Australia, which he says has let the shackles off to be more daring with food without losing its integrity.
“Our food mantra is be honest, keep it fresh and don’t overcomplicate things. We will showcase a wonderful array of flavours and ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, to create the perfect menu to accompany the James Squire beer range,” he said.
“The Swindler Tropical Pale Ale Battered Fish and Chips with salt and vinegar seasoning is bound to be a crowd pleaser, along with our famous steaks and beer fodder grazing plates.”
Inside the venue, layers have been stripped back to reveal original brickwork and floors which complement the introduction of copper, timber and black metal.