Colonial Brewing Co.

This salt-of-the-earth establishment prides itself on laid-back, uncomplicated beers that quench a particularly Australian thirst.

In the spacious refurbished warehouse of the Colonial Brewing Co. you’ll find yourself in the thick of the brewing process. Kegs and tanks form the centrepiece of a drinking and dining hall that’s kitted out with accommodating tables, cosy couches and even a designated ping-pong zone.

Behind the bar are friendly staff who will be able to tell you a thing or two about the range of craft beer on tap. When you’re ready for food, the kitchen serves up pizzas, burgers, wings and more. Come for lunch with the kids in tow, or meet your mates for dinner and drinks at this open-plan brewery-meets-public-bar.

Over a decade ago in Margaret River, the Colonial Brewing Co. started brewing cold ones. Lucky for Melburnians Colonial took the operation east in 2015, setting up this beer-lovers’ paradise a stone’s throw from Melbourne's CBD.

Some of their brews include the Aussie IPA, whose name says it all: an ale brewed from 100 percent Australian hops. Then there’s the all-rounder Colonial Draught, a smooth kolsch ale. American-Australian pale ales, fruity fermented sours, ciders made from cold-pressed Aussie apples and surprising seasonal brews are on offer too, so you can taste the full spectrum of this outfit’s output.

The microbrewery is located in the waterside district of Port Melbourne, a former industrial area on the edge of the city where bars and eateries have replaced factories. A tram will get you here from the city and driving is easy with ample metered on-street parking and easy connections to the northern, eastern and western suburbs.

Colonial Brewing Co. is open Thursday to Sunday. Check the official website for specific opening times. If you’re looking for a place to sink some cold ones and watch the footy, you’ve found the spot at Colonial, with AFL matches broadcast live on a nice big TV.