Words by Tehya Nicholas Images supplied
In befitting oceanic style, Gippsland family brewery Sailors Grave are launching a craft beer bar in a renovated shipping container. This one stays on land, however; right in the breezy community event space, Meeniyan Town Square.
The new outpost sees the brewery join forces with local favourite Italian restaurant Trulli to create a centrally located hospitality and tourism hub. Already home to Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar—a rustic cafe, deli and music venue—and Trulli Outdoors, Bakehouse & Gelateria, the Meeniyan Square is driven by sustainability, family and community, and offers patrons a family-friendly zone to eat, drink, and relax.
“We thought what Francesco and the team were building was almost the full package with the Restaurant, Bakehouse and Gelateria; it was just missing us, the special sauce!” Gabrielle Moore, brewer and co-founder of Sailors Grave said.
Sailors Grave, with roots planted further east in the Gippsland town of Orbost, will have eight taps in the container bar to showcase their range of beers: from crisp and juicy IPA to crowd-pleasing draught. It is set to launch February 17 to coincide with the Meeniyan Garlic Festival and will introduce locals and travellers alike to the brand, while giving Sailors Grave loyalists their favourite brews without long travel times.
“We fell in love with the unique, hand-crafted, artisanal beers from Sailors Grave. Quite simply, we’ve never tasted anything like it.
And with each new beer, we seem to keep saying that again and again!” Trulli owner Francesco Laera said.
They make beer like we make food. Subtle, fresh ingredients, and respect for those ingredients.
The creative collaboration is underpinned by a championing of Gippsland produce, with both brands boasting reputations for quality, innovation and collaboration. Trulli has undergone many transitions and additions, from their first days as a small restaurant to their now diverse variety of offerings from cheese and meat to pantry items and a huge wine cellar at the deli, to woodfired pizza, artisanal bread and gelati at the Bakehouse. Meanwhile Sailors Grave’s strength and uniqueness centres around telling the stories of the people, places, and ingredients of Gippsland.
The new joint venture is sure to bring new life to the Meeniyan Square and attract locals and travellers alike. ‘Cause nobody can resist a delicious pizza and beer combination.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Sailors Grave x Trulli at Meeniyan Town Square
WHERE: Meeniyan Square: 94 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan
WHEN: 17 February 2023
MORE INFO: Sailors Grave
We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
