First Look: Huzzah Opens in the Former Deeds Brewing Site, Led by a Stomping Ground Founder

The concept of the third place is that, outside of work and home, people need somewhere to gather and socialise. This was the main idea that inspired Steve Jeffares to open Huzzah – a new neighbourhood bar, restaurant and community hub in the old Deeds Brewing space in Glen Iris.

“Years ago, one of my business partners and I were looking at opening a venue in the CBD and literally calling it The Third Space, so that concept has always been front-of-mind for me,” says Jeffares, co-founder of The Local Taphouse and current co-owner of Stomping Ground in Collingwood and Moorabbin. “I’ve felt lately that people are craving opportunities to connect over more casual and affordable hospitality experiences, so I wanted to create a place people feel comfortable coming with a group or on their own – basically just to hang out.”

Those hangouts can take many forms. “No venue can be everything to everyone, but we can definitely offer something for everyone,” he says. Huzzah retains the multi-functionality of the old Deeds site, with a bar, dining area, pool table and even a bocce court. Most of the venue has been converted into an open-air beer garden, along with some private event spaces.

The menu is a mix of pub classics such as a chicken schnitzel, beef burgers and battered fish’n’chips alongside some Mediterranean-leaning dishes including charred cauliflower, a substantial lamb rump; and orecchiette with kale, hazelnut and cashew feta. “We’ve made a real effort to keep the menu approachable and affordable alongside the different spaces here so that people feel like they can pop-in multiple times a week and have unique experiences that are either free or really inexpensive.” There’s also a selection of pinsa (Roman-style oval-shaped pizza) with a crisp and airy crust made from wheat, rice and soy flour.

The small wine list focuses mostly on local drops. There are also plenty of non- and low-alcohol options and, by Jeffares’s brewpub standards, “not that many beers”. The 15-tap menu is exclusively Australian, and includes a Stomping Ground pale ale, Heaps Normal and Loveshack red ale. Jeffares says his intention is not to mirror his earlier projects, but his passion remains on display with the Neighbourgood Draught house beer, brewed by Stomping Ground specifically for Huzzah.

“We’ll be donating 50 cents from all Neighbourgood pint purchases to local community groups as well.” The community is encouraged to chat with employees or email Huzzah to nominate a cause.

“We’ll be putting on a heap of events, seeing what resonates with people and then trying to create a regular rhythm of really accessible activities for the community here.” Expect trivia, pop-up markets, music events, community nights, bocce and pool tournaments and more over the coming months. “Hopefully we become a place people feel comfortable dropping into as part of their weekly routine and a bit of a hub for people of any age in the community.”

Huzzah
4 Paran Place, Glen Iris
(03) 9771 7950

Hours:
Wed & Thu midday–10pm
Fri & Sat midday–11pm
Sun midday–10pm

wearehuzzah.com
@wearehuzzah