Carlton attracts new generation of breweries
Tooborac Hotel and Brewery's first move in Melbourne will the leasing of a red brick warehouse in Carlton.
The operators of the historic venue have leased an 800 sqm warehouse previously home to a scrap metals dealer, for a shop selling Toobarac’s award winning beers and pies, and has plans for a regional food and crafts marketplace and tavern selling its craft beers operating from the site.
Fitzroys Agency Executive, Lewis Waddell negotiated the deal for 137-143 Elgin Street (pictured) on behalf of a private owner.
Toobarac Hotel and Brewery is the latest addition to Carlton’s current generation of hospitality offerings, including Johnny’s Green Room, Carlton Wine Room, D.O.C., Epocha and Mr Pietro.
Mr Waddell said, “we received more than 50 enquiries from a mix of industrial and hospitality operators, which reflects the demand for character and industrial-style spaces in the food and beverage industry."
Waddell said the thriving hospitality and lifestyle culture across Melbourne’s inner city is generating an increased level of interest from microbreweries and craft beer labels.
“Labels and brewers find they can offer a fuller experience, including newer or limited releases and products, and in an environment they can pair with tailored food and ambience.” Waddell said the conversion of former warehouse buildings into brewpubs and new venues by craft labels is being seen across the inner city.
Bodriggy Brewing Co. has just opened its brewpub from a former LP gas conversion centre on Johnston Street in Abbotsford, while Jetty Road Brewery, based in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula, has plans to open in a former mechanics workshop in South Melbourne.
“The rapid growth in the independent beer industry as well as inner-city living means we wouldn’t have seen this type of enquiry two or three years ago, but it’s something that is expected to become more commonplace,” Waddell said.
Tooborac Hotel, up the Northern Highway, is a country hotel built in circa-1857 and has an on-site brewery.
It is the oldest National Trust-listed country pub in Victoria.
The hotel is a mainstay of an area that takes in the renowned wine-growing region of Heathcote.
Waddell is also leasing the former bank building next door to Tooborac’s new site, at 129-135 Elgin Street, on the corner of Rathdowne Street.
