wabster
Well-Known Member
I went there Friday. A group of 5, we were there at 4pm, almost first in the door 
We took up residence at a high bench table, closest to the bar, one of only 2 there.
To my palate the Rocks Brewing co.'s 1809 Pale Ale was terrific. The dunkle and hefferweisens I just couldn't get into. Over the course of a few hours we tasted just about everything on the menu boards and then some. Some preferred certain styles over another, and we tended to compare and even share small samples. None of us went with the sampler paddle though. Small beers of 330ml varied from about $4 to $7, large (pint?) from $8.50 to $14.
While I have been looking forward to getting there since I missed getting out the St Kilda venue when I was in Melbourne for the Homebrewing Conference last October, I'd have to say my overall feeling was one of disappointment.
The beers on offer and the range was fantastic. Yes it is expensive, but we expect that, these are class beers, served well in suitable glassware.
The venue itself was quiet from 4pm till about 5.30pm, when the crowd jumped in size and loud music came out of the sound system, which in turn caused people to talk at yelling level, thus increasing the noise level. I'm sure you know the picture.
By 6pm the place was a madhouse. Getting served at the bar became more difficult as a few people took up residence at the main service bar area, effecting reducing the size of the service area by 50%. After an hour or so a staff member moved the stools away but not before there was a solid period of time where getting served took way too long.
The place was wall to wall people, noisy and the old dunnies just don't cope.
I have no idea why they have chosen to only open at 4pm on weekdays. If I go back it is likely to be earlier in the week to see how the place is then. However until the hours are longer it is unlikely I'll return. Same with my 4 friends.
Summary, great beers, overcrowded noisy and chaotic venue
Cheerz Wabster
We took up residence at a high bench table, closest to the bar, one of only 2 there.To my palate the Rocks Brewing co.'s 1809 Pale Ale was terrific. The dunkle and hefferweisens I just couldn't get into. Over the course of a few hours we tasted just about everything on the menu boards and then some. Some preferred certain styles over another, and we tended to compare and even share small samples. None of us went with the sampler paddle though. Small beers of 330ml varied from about $4 to $7, large (pint?) from $8.50 to $14.
While I have been looking forward to getting there since I missed getting out the St Kilda venue when I was in Melbourne for the Homebrewing Conference last October, I'd have to say my overall feeling was one of disappointment.
The beers on offer and the range was fantastic. Yes it is expensive, but we expect that, these are class beers, served well in suitable glassware.
The venue itself was quiet from 4pm till about 5.30pm, when the crowd jumped in size and loud music came out of the sound system, which in turn caused people to talk at yelling level, thus increasing the noise level. I'm sure you know the picture.
By 6pm the place was a madhouse. Getting served at the bar became more difficult as a few people took up residence at the main service bar area, effecting reducing the size of the service area by 50%. After an hour or so a staff member moved the stools away but not before there was a solid period of time where getting served took way too long.
The place was wall to wall people, noisy and the old dunnies just don't cope.
I have no idea why they have chosen to only open at 4pm on weekdays. If I go back it is likely to be earlier in the week to see how the place is then. However until the hours are longer it is unlikely I'll return. Same with my 4 friends.
Summary, great beers, overcrowded noisy and chaotic venue
Cheerz Wabster
