Bringing the St Andrews Beach Brewery Experience to Melbourne

Greater Group’s hospitality division, TableFive recently reimagined St Andrews Beach Brewery’s (SABB) second venue at the iconic Melbourne Olympic Park. Originally from the small coastal town of Fingal, this site offers a unique inner-city interpretation of their renowned Mornington Peninsula Brewery. The brief called for seamlessly integrating SABB’s distinctive identity into a modern urban landscape, preserving its signature aesthetic while ensuring the space could be adapted for major events, such as the Australian Open.

The design brought key elements of SABB’s original brewery into a contemporary setting, ensuring customers instantly recognised the connection between both locations.

Industry

Food &
Beverage

Project Location

Australia

Project Year

2024

Project Requirements

Design

Play Video

Designing for Authenticity: Key Challenges

Integrating a Brewery into an Existing Complex Space

Designing a brewery within an existing high-traffic venue came with technical constraints. Extensive behind-the-scenes work was needed to accommodate essential infrastructure, such as the ductwork path and extraction systems for the 100 sqm cool room.

Balancing Rural and Urban Identities

A critical challenge was ensuring the design maintained a strong link to the original SABB brewery in Fingal while also feeling at home in Melbourne’s Olympic Park precinct. Materials had to be specific to the brand yet versatile enough to allow the space to be rebranded for large-scale events.

Creating a Striking Yet Functional Space

The space needed to make an impact while staying practical for customers and staff. A visually stunning bar and a fully functional microbrewery were key features, but they had to blend seamlessly with seating, branding, and operational flow.

A Statement Bar with Natural Textures

The main bar is the centrepiece of the space, designed in two sections. A large 11.6m-long bar on the left serves as the main beverage counter. A smaller bar on the right is dedicated to food ordering and café service. The bar’s front is built with rammed earth, a signature material linking to SABB Fingal. At the same time, a halo-lit stainless steel top adds a refined urban contrast. This juxtaposition of raw and polished textures anchors the brand’s rural origins in a contemporary environment.

An Urban Microbrewery Experience

One of the most engaging features is the Microbrewery, a scaled-down version of SABB’s main brewery in Fingal. It is enclosed with glass on three sides, allowing patrons to watch the brewing process in action, while its open fourth side keeps the experience immersive and interactive.

Blending Warmth and Industrial Elegance

The venue embraces its 6.9m-high ceilings, using this height to enhance the sense of openness. Key elements include:

Rammed earth-rendered walls, lighting, signage, and greenery reinforce warmth and brand connection.
Custom-designed timber and steel bar-height tables and circular stainless steel tables ensure a cohesive link to SABB’s original brewery.
Upholstery in SABB’s signature dark and light blue fabric provides a subtle brand touch throughout the space.

From Concept to Reality

Materials were carefully selected to ensure longevity, sustainability, and brand authenticity. The combination of natural textures, industrial finishes, and soft lighting creates a modern yet inviting atmosphere, making the brewery an appealing destination for regular patrons and new visitors.

The Results: A Seamless Brand Expansion

The St Andrews Beach Brewery at Melbourne Olympic Park successfully bridges the gap between Fingal’s rural charm and Melbourne’s urban energy. The flexible branding approach, carefully curated material choices, and strategic layout ensure that the space functions effortlessly as both a brewery and an adaptable event venue.

Acknowledgements

We’re excited to celebrate the amazing collaboration that brought this project to life! Under the leadership of Creative Director Polly Glaysher Pagh, along with Tony Arnachellum, Jenny Chan, and Sahan Kekiriwaragoda, their passion and expertise transformed St Andrews Beach Brewery’s vision into a stunning reality.