A sense of normality is finally returning for one of Melbourne’s biggest hospitality providers and Stomping Ground Brewing Co say they are optimistic for what 2021 will bring.
With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the brewery’s flagship venue in Collingwood and its Melbourne Airport brewpub are both back open while work has finally begun on the new Morris Moor Brewery & Beer Hall project with an open date for that ambitious build now set for May 2021.
And as that work gets underway Stomping Ground are to operate “a massive new pop-up beer garden” next door to its Moorabbin building site in a currently unused building and on landscaped gardens from now until March 2021.
“It’s obviously been a tough year and we would have loved to open the new Morris Moor Brewery & Beer Hall sooner, but we’re finishing the year optimistic for what 2021 will bring and we’re really excited about opening the pop-up and meeting the local community,” said co-founder Justin Joiner who also heads the group’s hospitality operations.
“Punters will be able to watch our permanent venue literally take shape before their eyes as they enjoy a beer in the sunshine this Summer.”
There are almost a dozen Stomping Ground beers available in cans at the new pop-up, including year-round offerings like Gipps St Pale and Laneway Lager as well as limited releases such as Flanders Red Ale and Hatch Pot IPA. For sour beer fans, in addition to the popular Watermelon and Passionfruit sours, ‘Smashees’ are a refreshing frozen summer Smash-up of Passionfruit Smash and Tequila Tromba.
With table tennis, a giant TV screen showing sport, dog friendly outdoor areas plus games to keep the young and old entertained, there is something for everyone. Special weekend events including markets are also being planned.
The simple food menu showcases popular Stomping Ground Beer Hall staples like burgers and salads, and on weekends there are plans for a BBQ.
‘We’ve borrowed a massive charcoal grill from our mates at Three Blue Ducks so will shortly be cranking that up on the weekends,” Joiner added.
The Stomping Ground Summer Beer Garden is trading 5 days a week until the middle of March at Morris Moor, 1 Cochranes Road, Moorabbin.
