Twang Brewing

Twang Brewing is a journey of flavour, community and dreams, tucked away in Melrose Street in North Melbourne.

Step inside and you'll be greeted by the warm hum of conversation and the comforting aroma of malt and hops. It's a cosy place where locals gather to chat over a pint that’s produced just metres away from your bar stool.

Matt’s foray into craft brewing was somewhat unexpected.

"During COVID lockdowns my mates and I would gather together remotely and do beer tastings," Matt recalls. “I’ve always been passionate about beer and we sort of kicked around the idea of starting our own brewery. Then this site on Melrose Street came up for lease.”

Intrigued by the potential of starting a microbrewery in his own neighbourhood, Matt started investigating the steps required to open the venue.

“To be honest, it started as a sort of a hypothetical exercise,” laughs Matt. “As a project manager I’m used to planning out the steps needed to get to an outcome. As I moved through the permits and requirements to get a craft brewery started I kept waiting to hit a roadblock. But I didn’t…so Twang Brewery opened in July 2022.”

As well as producing beer, Matt’s vision is to create a space where people can come together, enjoy unique, handcrafted brews, and feel like they are part of a community.

“I’ve tried to base the experience around what I enjoy as a consumer when I go to a craft brewery - trying different beers, sharing a bowl of chips and having laughs with friends,” smiles Matt.
“Twang is not about snobbery around beer. It’s a place with a nice vibe for families, young professionals and even dog owners to come and hang out. You can bring in food from nearby eateries too - the guys a few doors down at Melrose Place 3051 can even deliver your pizza to your table.”

The bar currently has four Twang Brewing brews on the taps, including the flagship Galaxy Explorer Pacific Ale. Matt is hoping to be able to fill all eight taps with Twang Brewing originals in the near future, in collaboration with local brewers.

At Twang Brewing, it’s not just about what’s in the glass. Each pint is a testament to realised dreams and the heart that goes into every brew.

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio