A Sunshine Coast craft brewer combining its beer with food has opened in a third location.
The Moffat Beach Brewing Co has pulled off a trifecta in the Caloundra area with the opening of The Esplanade Ale House and adjoining takeaway at Bulcock Beach.
The Esplanade set-up adds to Moffat Beach Brewing Co’s original brewpub-cafe at Moffat Beach and a production house and tap room at Caloundra West.
Moffat Beach Brewing Co operations manager Red Livermore said The Esplanade Ale House and takeaway had opened on a “pop-up” basis following negotiations with the landlord.
The Ale House occupies what was Cellar and the takeaway is where Sandbar Fish and Chippery used to be.
Mr Livermore said a lot of work had to be done before the doors could open.
“The place has been empty for 12 months. The previous tenants came and opened the doors and threw the key in and walked away,” Mr Livermore said.
“It was in a pretty dire state when we walked in. There were things that had been sitting there for a year.
“We spent three weeks cleaning the place, sorting out what was there and letting it air out.”
The Ale House and takeaway opened just before Christmas and Mr Livermore said all had been well received.
“It’s a great venue. The afternoons are amazing – the best sunsets. The takeaway’s going quite well,” he said.
Mr Livermore said the takeaway was reflective of its upmarket surroundings and sold mostly Queensland seafood.
Customers looking for Chiko rolls and similar will be disappointed to find barramundi, Mooloolaba prawns and oysters wrapped in white paper.
Mr Livermore said The Ale House restaurant menu was also strong on seafood, given the location across from the water.
Ten of Moffat Beach Brewing Co’s craft beers are on tap.
Both The Ale House and the takeaway are open seven days a week from midday through until about 8pm. There is live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3pm to 6pm.
“It’s a really nice time of day there, an amazing view over the water, watching the sun go down and the Glass House Mountains. It’s really special,” Mr Livermore said.
