Vegan beer brand Yulli’s Brews has opened a plant-based taproom and restaurant in Sydney, Australia.
Created four years ago by James Harvey and Karl Cooney, Yulli’s Brews initially made craft beers for the vegetarian restaurant, Yulli’s, in Surry Hills. It then progressed to supply ale to more than 200 pubs and bottle stores across Australia. Now, the brand has gone one step further. A former mechanic’s garage turned double-story brewhouse now serves the company’s vegan beers and local wines and features a vegan restaurant.
According to Broadsheet Sydney, Cooney explained that “we couldn’t keep up with demand anymore and needed a space where we could control our own supply.”
Yulli’s Brews’ core range of brews are all on tap, including the favorite: Norman Australian Ale. New creations are also available. Harvey said, “Having this [new] facility gives us the flexibility and freedom to do all sorts of things. We’ve been brewing for the past six months and we’ve released half a dozen beers.”
Adding to its classic beverages, Yulli’s Brews are set to release special batch brews aged in old bourbon and pinot noir barrels. The founders have also created brand new tastes, including the Dolly Aldrin German-style, melon-spiked sour wheat ale, the Eltham Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Pecan Brown Ale, and the Amanda Out Mandarin IPA. The company has also debuted its first cider.
In the restaurant, the menu takes influence from the different cultures of the Yulli’s team-members: Greek, Korean and Vietnamese, with nods to native ingredients such as lemon myrtle. Savory dishes such as gyros and dumplings are available, as well as a range of vegan desserts.
The new venue has a unique ambiance, located in a tranquil industrial strip in Alexandria. On the ground floor the bar can be found alongside spacious tables and bar-style stools. On the mezzanine, the decor consists of repurposed tables and chairs, ideal for a sit-down meal overlooking the brewery. According to Broadsheet, “The vibe is calm rather than bustling.”
The venue will also host live music and comedy nights.
Image credit: Yulli’s Brews