Beer Pine-eers at 4 Pines Brewing Co.
There’s no denying the boom in craft beer consumption down under. Our resident frothblower John Caruso discovers one of the pioneer brands now pouring on the Sunshine Coast and promising to deliver on three key promises: offering great beer, food and a place to meet with family and friends.
According to website Savvy, craft beer revenue grew by almost 18% last year and while mainstream beer sales declined, consumer’s interest in the craft beer portion of the pie grew!
One of the early pioneers of craft beer was 4 Pines Brewing Co. which was born from a conversation between a father and his son following a surf, 15 years ago.
“We’ve been a beer loving nation, but I think options were really limited in terms of getting a well-made craft beer more than a decade ago,” explains Adam Dearing, General Manager of Hospitality for 4 Pines.
“They weren’t a lot of independent brewers around when 4 Pines opened its first brew pub in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Compared to today, there was a real lack of choice, so we feel we were pioneers in that space and now we’re seeing the fruits of our labour with an impressive expansion of 14 venues across the East coast of Australia.”
With the synergy of sun, surf and thirst, the Sunshine Coast presented itself as a perfect location for the brand’s interstate expansion.
“There are many parallels with the Sunny Coast and our traditional home of Sydney’s Northern Beaches area where 4 Pines Brewing Co. was born,” says Adam. “The customer experience remains at the centre of the 4 Pines universe: genuine, warm, engaged service, a delicious feed and a cracking pint of lovingly-crafted beer.
“This was the start, middle and end of everything that our founders cared about.
“Aspirationally, we’ve always wanted a home on the Sunshine Coast and sought to partner with someone who is locally connected to help tell our story and deliver on the great experience we pride ourselves on in our other locations on the East Coast.”
The expansion of the 4 Pines brand in Mooloolaba and Noosa has been the result of a perfect partnership between 4 Pines Brewing Co and a well-known local business identity and venue operator, Helliwell Hospitality.
“Our group owns and manages high profile businesses within the hospitality industry and we’re a community and family-focused group that’s renowned for having accessible, tasty food and friendly service which results in creating the occasion,” explains Nathan Weiss from Helliwell Hospitality.
“Local Clayton Williams, owner of Helliwell Hospitality, has 40-plus years in hospitality running places like The Duporth and the Commercial Hotel, Nambour and he’s committed to brands that deliver in the local community.
“Clayton also started the Brothers Rugby Union Club in Maroochydore, so he’s entrenched at a grassroots level.”
Group executive chef Gavan Kennedy ticks the group’s third commitment box when it comes to delivering on the 4 Pines’ expectations of a modern menu.
“Gavan joined us earlier this year and he’s already demonstrated his expertise during the opening of the Noosa 4 Pines venue by developing a modern menu that pairs perfectly with our craft beers,” says Nathan.
Born in Ireland, Gavan discovered his passion for cooking while working in Jacques Restaurant and Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork where he developed a flair for fine dining and contemporary cuisine.
In 2015, he joined Rockpool Dining Group as a Sous Chef and was gradually promoted to Executive Chef overlooking various locations.
“Gavan’s experience and his understanding around what the food offer should be is critical,” explains Nathan. “He’s reviewing what’s presented on the plate and updating our specials.
“The food quality has gone to another level at our two 4 Pines locations here on the Sunshine Coast.”
From looking for a frothy fix after a family surf on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the shores of Mooloolaba and Noosa, 4 Pines is true to its root of offering well thought-out brews, fresh and fulfilling food and a destination for any occasion.
True to the 4 Pines philosophy that good beer needs good people, why not drop in and enjoy the 4 Pines hospitality over an award-winning beer and tasty feed from this highly accredited brewery.
Cheers to that!
