Sou'West Brewery

Situated in Australia's premier surf town, home to worldwide surfwear brands Rip Curl, Quicksilver, Billabong and others, as well as the world-famous World Surfing League event, the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, there's something appropriate about this brewery being situated at a former headquarters of one of those brands.

This is an impressive, warehouse-sized, open, airy facility, with seating for hundreds, pouring seven beers and a cider, all brewed on-site, and with the stainless clearly visible behind the bar. Growler fills - a relatively rare option in Australia - are available, as well as six packs, but the latter option is only available for the pale ale and lager.

There's an extensive food menu and there were a number of large groups covering all ages and family demographies enjoying a meal in the early afternoon of my visit. I didn't eat, so the food score is based on the size of the menu.

Overall, this is an exceptionally good venue. My only knock is the relative lack of outdoor seating, with only a small, enclosed, outside area available that would make up less than 5 per cent of the available seating space. But if that's my only nitpick then I reckon they're done a pretty good job.

Cheers
#5