This New Swan Valley Brewery Will Have It All

WAs love affair with beer is set to be reinvigorated this spring with the anticipated opening of Bailey Brewing Co in Perth’s famous Swan Valley region. Named for founders Steve, Dan and Geoff Bailey, the 9-and-a-half-acre venue will a feature state-of-the-art brewery, 250-capacity tavern, nature playground and more.

Located on the intersection of Park Street and West Swan Road and nestled within the picturesque native bushland of Henley Brook, Bailey Brewing Co will deliver a relaxed rural family experience within 30 minutes of Perth City.

“We built Bailey Brewing Co with family in mind. There’s nothing too fragile or shiny – this is somewhere everyone can come together and feel completely at ease, even the kids” said Steve Bailey, Co-Founder.

The idea for Bailey Brewing Co came to the trio after identifying a need for a venue that excited kids and parents alike.

“Like most West Australians, we love skipping the dishes and meeting as a family out at a brewery or pub. However, the kids always wanted to go to one place and the adults another. We thought why not build somewhere everyone can enjoy?” said Dan Bailey.

STEP INSIDE THE TAVERN

Currently under construction, the centrepiece of the tavern and brewery will be six striking floor-to-ceiling serving tanks, each holding 1,200L. All up, the site will have capacity to craft 200,000L annually  so there will be no shortage of options for beer and cider lovers.

“We’ve recently brought onboard Damien Bussemaker as our head brewer who will develop our core range alongside Dan and I. We are aiming for simple yet flavourful beers in crowd favourite formats like Pale Ale, Lager, IPA, NEIPA, Midstrength, plus a Cider.” said Steve.

“We want to do the simple things bloody well.”

And it isn’t just hops that’s brewing under the tavern roof. The founders intend to install a Genio 6kg coffee roastery to supply the bar with fresh espresso and a pizza oven will also be built on site in the coming months.

The wider menu is yet to be finalised but will feature Aussie pub staples we all know and love with a focus on local ingredients. Expect satisfying portions, quality ingredients and a meal that always hits the spot. There’ll be no waiting in line to order either, with full table service offered Tuesday-through-Sunday.

“We want to do the simple things bloody well. Tasty food that fills you up and a menu that everyone from Gran to the kids can pronounce and enjoy. Think chicken parmies, woodfired pizzas, and hearty salads.” Said Steve.

For those invested in the sport season, you’ll never have to worry about missing a game.  A large screen TV is set to show cricket in the summer, football in the winter and NRL, tennis, golf, soccer (amongst others) in the space between. Always with sound.

Outside, a shaded verandah will wrap three sides of the tavern to provide a serene setting to kick-back in the warmer months. It’s also heated in winter which makes it a toasty vantage point to watch over the kids at play anytime of the year. A gazebo and marquee will also be available for private function hire, including weddings.

Just past the tavern and brewery you’ll find two refurbished 1940s cottages; one that will be used as office space for Bailey Brewing Co and the other a toilet block for patrons, complete with a spacious baby changeroom.

BUILT FOR KIDS

The littlest family members will love the 850sqm nature playground, designed by Nature Play Solutions – the masterminds behind play spaces like Pia Place and Subiaco Common. The build is underway and will see four antique cars cleverly converted into a tyre swing, slide, and flying fox to keep pint-sized adventurers entertained for hours. Budding footy players of all ages can set up the portable goal posts on the oval, too.

“Dan and I both have two kids, so we know that plastic flat-pack playgrounds only keep them occupied for about 10 minutes. We think its important kids get a chance to run around and use their imagination, which was a big inspiration for our design. Basically, we want to build the ultimate backyard.” said Steve.

A BUZZING HISTORY

When the three Bailey’s first purchased the plot at the end of 2019, they uncovered an eclectic collection of old tools, books, lamps, maps, and vintage beekeeping equipment in one of the property’s sheds. The discovery sparked curiosity in the brewers and ignited a 4-month search to find the original owner, who was identified as beekeeper Alton “Toppy” Geer in April 2020. 

Mr Geer lived on the property for over 38 years and sold honey with his wife, Jan, to travellers and locals alike. Now 92, he has given his blessing for the antique items to decorate the brewery.

“Bailey Brewing Co are a part of the Swan Valley community and it’s important that we do our bit to make sure the local history is preserved and remembered.” said Steve.

Bailey Brewing Co is midway through construction and is scheduled to open in late Spring 2020.