Following on the success of Modus Operandi’s first brewery in Northern Beaches suburb Mona Vale, the brand has opened a second, alongside an architecturally stunning dining space, in Merewether, Newcastle.
The new brewery operates on 100% green energy and is unlike any other built-in Australia. It features walls and bars crafted from earth from bushfire-ravaged regions, bathroom tiles made from recycled shampoo bottles and brewery equipment with cutting-edge solar- and water-saving systems.
Adding to its sustainability factor is the fact the new brewery and venue used an all-local construction team on its build and that it’ll continue to support the Newcastle community, giving jobs to over 60 local employees in the hospitality and manufacturing industries, many of who were hit hard by the pandemic.
“Brewing is usually hidden in industrial areas, but we wanted to be able to share this venue with the community, which is why we worked so hard at securing a site that everyone in Newcastle could easily access,” says Grant Wearin, who, along with his wife Jaz, founded and owns Modus.
Wearing says the community and visitors will not only get to see the brewing process unfold in front of them, but they’ll also get to enjoy the stunning venue in its incredible location, minutes from Mereweather Beach.
On offer in the dining space are Modus beers poured from 36 frosty taps, including their non-alcoholic NORT range, as well as limited, local-only releases ranging from sours and lagers to hazy hoppy IPAs and dark beers. And if beer isn’t your thing, not to worry — the venue has an extensive offering of cocktails, wines and spirits. As for food, expect elevated pub fare. Think Mexican, seafood, small and large plates and a surprising amount of vegan options.
Should you want to drink your beer elsewhere, simply swing by for Modus or NORT takeaway options. Or, if you’re feeling like more of an experience than a drop-in visit, book a brewery tour, masterclass event or community event — think surf film releases, live football screens and cocktail-making nights. Next year, the laneway to the side of the venue will even play host to night markets.
A win for the local economy and a win for the environment? Sounds like a dream venue to us.
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.