“We want to be a hospitality experience that’s run by a brewery, because that opens the doors to everybody,” says Jack Cameron, co-founder of Pirate Life, as he looks around his first Victorian venue.

Pirate Life South Melbourne is the latest chapter in the Adelaide brewer’s success story. Founded in 2014 by Jack and his father Michael Cameron, with Jared “Red” Proudfoot, Pirate Life sold to the world’s largest brewing company only three years later and now has multiple venues across Adelaide and Perth.

This first foray into Melbourne’s crowded brewpub scene is in a former mechanics garage on Market Street.

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The large 220 capacity space has been revamped by design and architecture firm Studio Gram, with some grungy, industrial elements retained – steel grate flooring in the central dining section is a playful nod to its former use.

The South Melbourne Market is just around the corner, and the location informs the approach here. The food offering is a step above the obvious taproom staples and takes advantage of the market’s fresh produce.

“You can’t just have burgers and fries and a pint of beer anymore,” says Jack. “Anyone can come in here, whether they’re a beer drinker, a wine drinker, a cocktail drinker or a foodie – even families – and have a really good experience.”

To that end, head chefs Maria Delengas (ex-Arkhe and Movida Aqui) and Nicolas Lopez will celebrate their respective Greek and South American heritages.

Both chefs share a passion for cooking with fire, which is on show in the open kitchen. Think pickled octopus carpaccio, smoked goat spring rolls and chicken chops with burnt mango.

And when you smell butifarra sausage and low and slow beef asado ribs cooking over fire, you’ll understand how central the kitchen is to the experience.

An express lunch menu will be available seven days a week for nearby office workers and market dwellers, and the venue’s 16 taps will be attractive to all comers.

Limited and seasonal beers will be on constant rotation next to Pirate Life’s core range of pales, lagers and renowned IPAs. There isn’t a brewery on-site, but beer will frequently be sent overnight from the headquarters in Adelaide.

For those less beer-curious, a collaboration with Riot Wine Co sees a lemon and lychee spritz on tap alongside Pirate Life’s own alcoholic cola and lemonade. Award-winning sommelier Foni Pollitt has curated the wine list, featuring an impressive selection of organic and sustainable producers predominantly from Australia.

There’s also a merch shop and takeaway beer store and, as with Pirate Life’s epic Port Adelaide home base, mural activations, live music and guest chef dinners are coming soon.

Pirate Life South Melbourne
139-145 Market Street, South Melbourne

Hours:
Fri & Sat 11am–11.30pm
Sun to Thu 11am–10pm

piratelife.com.au