CB Co

At CB Co. you might forget you’re indoors. It’s filled with sun umbrellas and trees, a glass garage door at the front, and lights strung above. There’s an open-air feel to the space.

The spacious brewery floor allows for a view right down the rows of stainless-steel tanks. They look great in daylight, and even better when the sun falls and they’re lit from above.

A simple food menu offers a range designed to smash and share over a beer: burgers, wings and pizzas all appear.

On Saturdays, the brewery’s open as a family friendly space with food trucks, live AFL matches and entertainment for the kids.

The beer is fresh and vibrant and features one-offs and seasonals. The easy-drinking Kolsch is a winner and the person pouring it is likely to be one of the brewers. They’re chatty and informative. Ask a few questions and you’re bound to learn something. Other staple pours include the mid-strength Small Ale, a pale ale, an IPA and a cider.

CB Co was founded in Margaret River in 2004, and since then has evolved into the Colonial Leisure Group. The company owns a number of venues around Australia. In Melbourne its properties include Bimbo, Lucky Coq, The Robert Burns Hotel and The Botanical.

This one joined the family at the end of 2015, taking over the former Matilda Bay Brewery. Beer lovers will be happy to know it’s being put to good use.