4 Pines Brewing Company
Image: With their ‘space beer’ about to launch (quite literally) I just had to head north to the microbrewery that’s so popular they even landed on Richard Branson’s radar. Co-owner Jaron Mitchell knows beer, but does he know food?
With their ‘space beer’ about to launch (literally) I just had to head north to the microbrewery that’s so popular, they even appeared on Richard Branson’s radar. Co-owner Jaron Mitchell knows beer, but does he know food? (I worry these brewers can’t see the forest for the (pine) trees.) Thankfully I’m proved wrong – they serve classic beer food, from mussels to curries, without a tradie’s beer garden atmosphere. Their large, wooden balcony overlooks the wharf, whilst inside you see their brewing machines behind a glass wall. (Purely cosmetic now – the demand is too high.) The food is more substance than look, from house-made bread and chutneys to the Ploughman’s Platter ($24) of prosciutto, blue vein cheese and dried figs. The Chicken Pie ($22) is huge and flavoursome, with poached chicken pieces swimming beautifully in a creamy mushroom and bacon sauce; whilst the Calamari ($12) is so tender, it must be marinated in beer! Mitchell says: “like wine, beer should match food and be on par.” With the citrusy Kolsch ($6.50) against lightly crumbed, mozzarella-oozing Arancini Balls ($12) he rests his case. I may never afford to try their beer on the moon, but I’ll happily visit the north side for their mouth-watering food and brews.
4 Pines Brewing Company
29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly
Ph: (02) 9976 2300 www.4pinesbeer.com.au
Pub Bistro/Bar Food $$-$$$
