8 South-West breweries that do a fantastic lunch

What could be better than tucking into something delicious while relaxing with a locally brewed beer or cider?

Western Australia’s South-West might be better known for its wine, but there are also many local breweries with restaurants where you can not only taste fantastic local ales and lagers but also indulge in some of the region’s most delicious food.

Here are eight breweries we recommend for a topnotch lunch in the South-West.

Eagle Bay Brewing Company

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Eagle Bay Brewing Company is the perfect place for a spot of lunch in the Eagle Bay area. The brewery opened its doors in 2010 and from day one, head chef Rupert Brown has been committed to local produce. Some of that produce is actually incredibly local — straight from the brewery’s own kitchen garden. The menu is filled with great lunch classics, with a fresh local twist.

Eagle Bay Brewery

Beer Farm

Once upon a time Metricup (30km south-west of Busselton and 22km north of Margaret River) was prime dairy farming country. That rural heritage is celebrated at The Beer Farm, on Gale Road. With a farm-like feel — complete with a fireplace, dogs and a slip-and-slide into the dam — this brewery is a popular stop for those wanting to experience, as the name suggests, both beer and a farm. The burgers are great, too.

Bootleg Brewery

On the corner of Johnson and Puzey roads in Margaret River is Bootleg Brewery. The menu here is seasonal, so it’s worth checking out the website before you go — but you’ll always find fantastic traditional fare to suit every tastebud. It’s an idyllic setting, nestled amongst century-old trees — the perfect place to sit back and try one of Bootleg’s awarding-winning beers, like Raging Bull or Tom’s Amber.

Bootleg Brewery

Brewhouse

Another popular Margaret River watering hole, Brewhouse describes itself as “the town’s brewery”. It can be found on the north bank of the Margaret River, amongst the Karri forest and in the backyard of an old settler’s shack. With its ever-changing and “adventurous” menu, regular music and events, and its range of lagers, pilsners, ales and stouts, Brewhouse has something to satisfy everybody. Their wood-fired oven gets used for much more than just pizza, too.

Colonial Brewing Company

Colonial’s is a menu filled with old and new favourites.  On one level, it’s simple, satisfying brewery food — pizzas, burgers, fish. On another, every dish is a flavour sensation. Colonial Brewing, which also has a presence in Melbourne, is on Osmington Road in Margaret River. It brews a range of ales, IPAs and its popular Bertie Cider, made from apples.

Black Brewing Co.

Black Brewing Co. is much more than just a brewery. It’s also a distillery, a vintner and a restaurant — and that’s just to start. Operated by “a couple of mates”, this brewery on Caves Road in Wilyabrup (between Margaret River and Yallingup) serves cuisine that represents the best and freshest the region has to offer. Using produce from their own garden, the Black Brewing chefs also include specially sourced ingredients from much further afield, including Indonesia. The menu has plenty of options for vegetarians and those who are gluten-free.

Black Brewing Co.

Cheeky Monkey Brewery

There is plenty of space for the kids to play while you sit back and enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Cheeky Monkey, on Caves Road in Margaret River. The menu is regularly refreshed and seasonal, but it’s also extensive — so you’re certain to find something to suit even the fussiest eater. Salads, pizzas, burgers and rolls are all on the menu here — and there’s a kids menu too. Adults can also try the brewery’s lager, pale ale, red ale, IPA and apple cider.

Cheeky Monkey Brewery

Boston Brewing Co.

Found in Denmark in the stunning Great Southern region, Boston Brewing Co. is one of a kind. Found nestled between ancient karri forests and the rugged, sparsely populated southern coastline, Boston’s “Brewpub” serves handcrafted beers and wines alongside an original lunch and evening menu. Many ingredients are drawn from the surrounding region, including Mount Barker quail and Denmark marron.

Bonston Brewing Co.

Great food and beer are just one of the reasons to visit Australia’s South-West. Book a holiday today.