Bent Beers in Braddon

Bentspoke Brewery is the latest addition to Canberra’s micro-brewing scene. Set just off Lonsdale Street, excellent beers and a great vibe have already made it a popular evening destination. The bar opened on the 6th of June, and has been bustling ever since. Indeed, their first weekend saw so many beers poured that they were in danger of running out during opening week.

Fortunately, the brewery isn’t far away. The brewing starts in the mashers upstairs, with only a glass wall to separate the process from the bar patrons. When Richard and Tracy have worked their wizardry, the beer is piped through the stair’s handrails into a line of 2500L fermenters. Once matured and ready for consumption, it’s served directly out of stainless steel tanks behind the bar without being bottled or stored in kegs. This approach, unique in Australia, is one Richard and Tracy hope will deliver their beers at their very best.

Fermenters line the bar's back wall.

Photo courtesy of Jessica from
Words and Wilds.

While sipping the latest brew, patrons are invited to consider how it was produced. The brewery on show is explained by a wall-sized mural representing the ingredients and each stage of the brewing process. Even the kitchen plays its part, the by-products from the brewery working their way into the food on offer. Spent grain appears in both their chicken wings and burgers.

“They’re all a bit bent.”

The beers themselves are already living up to the high expectations set by Richard’s seventeen years as the head brewer of the Wig and Pen. Five beers and a cider were served up for the opening of the bar, all of distinctly different styles. The beers don’t fit neatly into traditional categories, brewed to showcase the ingredients rather than to meet specific expectations. “They’re all a bit bent” was Richard’s description when asked what types of beer he intended to serve. The cider, too, presents a complex flavour profile, one that might be unfamiliar for Australians accustomed to either over-sweet or completely dry ciders. Although they might be unusual, Bentspoke’s offerings are certainly proving popular. Two beer tanks and one of cider have already been emptied, and the brewery is running non-stop to replenish supplies and prepare new offerings.

Ultimately, there will be eighteen beers and ciders on tap, with a few particularly unusual concoctions in planning. Richard and Tracy have been experimenting with everything from gluten free beer to barrel ageing and even a truffle infused beer for Canberra’s truffle festival. Takeaway 2L insulated flasks also allow patrons to enjoy freshly brewed Bentspoke beers further afield.

But the Bentspoke bar isn’t just about the beer. Unlike most micro-brewery-bars, Bentspoke has gone that little bit further to make the decorations and atmosphere stand out. From the recycled bike part chandeliers and wall-garden to the keg seats and hoppinator lights, they’ve gone out of their way to make the bar stand out as a unique and interesting experience. Half beer-hall, half restaurant, the upstairs bar also provides an unusual view across Braddon and Civic, making an excellent backdrop for the other decorations.

The bar’s popularity has undoubtedly been boosted by the great setting, but ultimately it is Bentspoke’s beer that has made them an instant success. Canberrans have already voted with their wallets and the results are clear. There’s nothing wrong with delivering beers a little bit bent.