BentSpoke Brewing Co.

BentSpoke Brewing is a cult craft brewery and gastropub located in the very heart of the trendy Braddon district in the city of Canberra. This establishment is rightfully considered one of the flagships of the region's beer culture, attracting both locals and tourists with its innovative approach to brewing and striking industrial design.

Visitors step into an atmospheric space where shiny steel beer vats are part of the interior, allowing them to watch the drink creation process. It is not just a bar, but a real pilgrimage site for connoisseurs of hops and malt traveling across Australia. A spirit of freedom, creativity, and love for a quality product reigns here.

BentSpoke's significance lies in their boldness and wide assortment: from classic ales to experimental seasonal varieties with the addition of local ingredients. It is the perfect place to feel the modern rhythm of the Australian capital and taste flavors that cannot be found in an ordinary supermarket.

To conveniently plan your visit to BentSpoke Brewing, we suggest reviewing the contact information. The brewery is located in an accessible spot, and can be contacted in the following ways:

The main thing to do at BentSpoke Brewing is, undoubtedly, beer tasting. Visitors are offered to order the famous "sampling paddle" — a special board with a set of four small glasses of different varieties. This is the best way to get acquainted with the brewery's wide assortment, which ranges from light lagers to rich stouts and hoppy IPAs. The staff is well-versed in the drinks and is always ready to help with the selection based on your taste preferences.

Besides drinks, it is worth paying attention to the gastronomic component. The kitchen menu is designed to perfectly complement the beer list. Be sure to try signature snacks such as spicy wings or dishes that use the beer itself or malt in their preparation. Watching the open kitchen and the brewers working behind glass partitions adds interactivity to your visit.

The atmosphere encourages socializing. You can take a seat on the ground floor to be closer to the bar and the bustle, or go up to the second floor for a more relaxed setting. On warm days, it is pleasant to sit on the outdoor terrace, enjoying the fresh air and watching the life of the Braddon district.

Getting to BentSpoke Brewing is quite simple, as the establishment is located in the popular Braddon district, which practically borders the city center. If you are in the central part of Canberra (Civic), a walk will take just 10–15 minutes. This is a great way to see the lively streets of the district.

For those who prefer public transport, the most convenient option is the Light Rail. The nearest stop is Elouera Street, which is literally a couple of minutes' walk from the brewery entrance. The city's bus network is also well developed, and many routes pass through Mort Street or Lonsdale Street.

If you take a taxi or use ridesharing services, the trip from most hotels in the center will take no more than 5 minutes. For motorists, street parking is available in the Braddon area, but finding a free space in the evening and on weekends can be difficult due to the location's popularity.

The history of BentSpoke Brewing began in 2014, when two passionate brewers, Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain, decided to open their own establishment. Richard was already known in Australian beer circles as one of the pioneers of the craft movement, and opening his own independent brewery was a logical continuation of his career. Since opening, the venue has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the country.

An interesting feature is the name and theme of the establishment. BentSpoke is a tribute to the cycling culture, which is very developed in Canberra. The interior of the pub is decorated with bicycle elements, and the names of many beer varieties, such as "Crankshaft" or "Sprocket", also refer to the cycling theme. This creates a unique, slightly rebellious, and very democratic atmosphere.

Over the years, the brewery has received many prestigious awards. Their flagship IPA has repeatedly taken top places in the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers ranking, which is considered a huge achievement in the world of Australian craft brewing. This confirms BentSpoke's status as a place where quality traditions are honored and flavor experiments are not feared.

For a full visit to BentSpoke Brewing, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2 hours. This time will be enough to leisurely taste a sampling paddle of different beer varieties and enjoy dishes from the local menu.

If you plan to visit the establishment with a large group in the evening, it is worth allowing a little more time, as the lively atmosphere and conversation encourage long sittings. For a quick snack and a glass of beer, 45 minutes might suffice, but usually, one does not want to leave quickly.

BentSpoke Brewing is open to visitors daily, making it a convenient place to visit on any day of the week. The establishment operates on a stable schedule without days off, which makes it easy to include in your tourist itinerary.

Official opening hours:

• Monday: 11:00 – 23:00
• Tuesday: 11:00 – 23:00
• Wednesday: 11:00 – 23:00
• Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00
• Friday: 11:00 – 23:00
• Saturday: 11:00 – 23:00
• Sunday: 11:00 – 23:00

Exploring the surroundings of Braddon and central Canberra can significantly enrich your travel experience. After tasting excellent beer, you can go for a walk to Lake Burley Griffin or visit entertainment locations situated nearby. The area offers an excellent balance between gastronomic relaxation and active leisure.