The Matilda Bay pub officially opened its doors on Boxing Day 2019.
The venue, which is located in the old Giants Steps wine cellar in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, opened after a complete internal renovation.
The first Matilda Bay beers are expected to come out of the taps in mid-January and the venue will be pouring 12 Australian craft beers until then.
The food offer will be created by head chef Ben Ledingham, showcasing local Yarra Valley produce, including cheese, meats, olives, bread, trout and vegetables, plus a range of wines, ciders and beers.
More than 30 jobs have been created at the new pub, with 10 more expected once it is fully operational.
Phil Sexton, a co-founder of Matilda Bay, announced in October 2019 that he was returning to the label that he founded 35 years ago, partnering with Carlton & United Breweries to reinvigorate the craft beer brand.
He said that the new Matilda Bay would be a new attraction in the town.
“I have been looking forward to revisiting my craft brewing roots through tackling unfinished business with Matilda Bay,” says Sexton.
“It’s particularly poignant, having my son Harry Sexton join the brewing team, along with Drew Parker (his second stint with Matilda Bay), Will Goodyear (family ties all the way back to Youngs Brewery London, first imported to Australia by Matilda Bay) and David Himmelfarb bringing his pub and hospitality experience to our in-house pub.”