The space
It’s not a simple task creating a cafe-cum-bar, especially in suburban Birkdale. In the early morning, the last thing you want is your active-wear donned coffee seekers feeling as though they’ve walked into a late-night dive. On the other hand, coffee beans and cabinet sweet treats don’t really give off an authentic bar feel. Craft Brew House, however, transitions from one to the other quite seamlessly. The most obvious indicator of cafe-to-bar transition – custom crank tables. During the morning hours, the tables are lowered to a comfortable cafe height, which also restricts visibility of the spirits behind the bar. Come 2:00 pm, the custom tables are risen with the simple turn of a crank, transforming into high bar tables. At that point, a scroll of brown paper is pulled down to cover the morning’s coffee beans and protein powder, the festoon lighting comes on, and voila! That light-filled buzzing cafe has become an intimate drinking den. Every detail of the space has been carefully thought out by owners Tai Moore and Kelly-Ann Mackenzie, and when you step inside you’ll soon forget you’re in a suburban shopping precinct.

The food and drink
Brews aren’t the only things on offer at Craft Brew House. In addition to coffees and beers, you’ll find smoothies, milkshakes and fancy cold beverages, as well as a curated selection of boutique spirits such as Jura whisky, Four Pillars gin and Casamigos tequila. Of a morning you can tuck into the likes of acai bowls, sourdough topped with ricotta and seasonal fruit, and waffles with vanilla-bean ice-cream and fresh strawberries. Come lunch, the cabinet fills up with raw treats, bagels, sandwiches and more, and later in the day antipasto platters and hand-stretched pizzas roll out. If you aren’t vibing with anything on the menu, Craft Brew House encourages you to support its neighbours and BYO takeaway food while you enjoy a drink or two.

The details
Owners Tai and Kelly-Anne are Redlands locals who are excited to bring a taste of Teneriffe and West End to the eastern suburbs. They are all about community – encouraging locals to come in, have a chat and stay a while. On a Sunday afternoon you’ll find a local acoustic musician, as well as fun eats such as house-made pulled-pork rolls or food trucks. If you’re keen to escape the city and enjoy some suburban sips, head to our Stumble Guide for Craft Brew House’s opening hours and contact details.