Since its inception almost a decade ago, Distillery Road Market has established itself as a precinct to watch. Conceived by Zarraffa’s Coffee founder Kenton Campbell, the 17,000-sqm lifestyle and entertainment precinct has continuously expanded its offering over the last few years, now home to not just regular market events, but the Zarraffa’s headquarters, Kiwanda Cafe, Sugar Creek Smokehouse and Posadas Cantina. The bustling hub’s most recent addition was unveiled in December 2023 – and it’s shaping up to be the precinct’s largest endeavour yet. 

Overlooking the Albert River and historic Bickford’s Beenleigh Rum Distillery is Perentie Brewing Co., a purpose-built $6-million dollar brewery specialising in independently brewed and sensationally sessionable authentic lager beers. Sprawling over a whopping 921 sqm, the architecturally designed space features an alfresco beer garden, kitchen, state-of-the-art canning and kegging facility, and multiple bars, with the capacity to hold more than 30,000 litres of beer on site and brew one million litres per year. 

Sixty-eight taps will be dotted around the precinct with 40 dedicated to Perentie’s own brews, including its three signature frothies – the Summer Dry mid-strength lager, the clean Pure Crisp lager and the Komodo Black dark lager, all made using traditional German brewing techniques and authentic German yeast and hops. The remaining taps will feature the likes of Burleigh Brewing Co. beers and Brookvale Union alcoholic ginger beer, alongside a tight list of wines and cocktails. 

“We’re just so excited to finally serve up our brand of highly sessionable, authentic and quality lager beers,” says Kenton. “It’s been a long process that has led us to create a space and product that we are truly proud of, and ready to share with everyone.”

On the food front, Perentie will serve up a menu that is the perfect accompaniment to a session on the suds. Using a selection of local seasonal produce, Perentie Kitchen will serve up fresh prawn and bug rolls with creamy dill sauce, a classic smash double cheeseburger, crispy buffalo wings, crumbed zucchini ribbons and moreish onion rings made using Perentie’s Komodo black dark lager. Outside, the 200-pax beer garden will feature an expansion of Sugar Creek Smokehouse’s smoke pit, where hungry revellers can indulge in sumptuous smoked meats direct from the pit. 

“I’ve always had a clear vision to create a truly localised experience at Distillery Road Markets,” says Kenton. “Perentie is really the icing on the cake, creating authentic moments of relaxation and enjoyment.” 

Kenton might claim it as the icing on the cake – but that doesn’t mean he’s resting on his laurels. Early this year will see the official opening of The F.E.D (The Food and Entertainment District) – a brand-new entertainment and casual-dining precinct that stretches across both indoor and outdoor spaces. Existing eateries Posadas Cantina and Sugar Creek Smokehouse will move into The F.E.D’s indoor space, joining Wing It, Slice It and That Gelato alongside a suite of new street-food container-style outlets to be announced soon. The precinct’s purpose-built outdoor live-music and entertainment space will be ideal for larger-scale events, featuring world-class equipment and a capacity to hold up to 2000 patrons. We’ll share more details as they’re announced. 

Perentie Brewing Co. is open to the public now. For opening hours and contact information, head to our Stumble Guide. 

Images: supplied