HOT: Bridge Road Brewers, Beechworth

Features:

• pram access;
• high chairs,
• playground;
• disabled toilet with pram access;
• kids menu; and
• standard menu suitable for kids.

One of the most popular family-friendly eateries in Beechworth is actually at a brewery, Bridge Road Brewers.

We were invited to visit Bridge Road Brewers by Tourism North East and we rolled into Beechworth just after lunch opening on a weekday. Being unseasonably warm already the beer garden was starting to fill up so if you’re coming with a large group or want to be assured of a spot during a busy period then book ahead, especially if you need high chairs.

For colder climes the beer hall is spacious and filled with beer-making paraphernalia, decor and furniture as well as a cosy wood fire.

The Bridge Road Brewers kitchen makes pretzels and pizzas influenced by brewery co-owner Maria Frischmann, who grew up in the Tyrolean Alps. The kitchen bakes pretzels daily and they come plain ($3) or with a choice of cheese sauce or chocolate sauce ($4.50).

These crusty, salt-speckled twists are the perfect snack for kids – easy to hold, easy to chew – though I wouldn't give them too much obviously due to the salt content. Lady AB and Baby 2.0 loved them and after a 3 hour drive from Melbourne it was a good way to get them munching before the main meals arrived.

The kitchen is most famous for its extensive range of pizzas though you can order other beer-friendly plates such as nachos, ribs and pie or a lighter soup or salad.

Bridge Road Brewer’s pizza bases are made in house using their Bavarian Wheat Ale and it creates a crispy, bubbly base for a range of toppings. We tried the classic margherita punctuated with big dollops of Shaw River Buffalo Mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves ($17.50) and for contrast, a non-traditional “Morrison Street Butchers” Sausage Pizza with bocconcini, caramelised onions, tomato, sausage and mustard sauce ($19). There is also a kids pizza which is plain cheese.

Both pizzas were bursting with hearty flavours and very filling – I think one large pizza between two would be sufficient, even with kids. My only criticism is that I thought there could have been less topping so as to retain the crispiness of the base and to prevent ingredients frequently slipping off into a messy puddle (onto my lap, invariably). But in general Australian pizza eaters tend to prefer more toppings, not less, so I can understand the slightly overladen approach.

For adults you can match your food with a pint of any of their craft beers or go with a beer flight of up to ten tastings that arrives on its own special board. You can also conduct your own tasting by taking home a mixed six-pack ($19.50).

For kids I think the highlight of Bridge Road Brewers was probably the playground. There's a tree swing, climbing frame, things to turn, twist and tangle and a mini slide.

Bridge Road Brewers is a great place for families where both kids and adults will enjoy themselves equally. There's great food and drink, great kids facilities and a friendly atmosphere which sees parents flock to the beer garden all through the week.

ridge Road Brewers, Old Coach House Brewers Lane, 50 Ford St, Beechworth +61 3 5728 2703

Kitchen opens lunch 7 Days a week, 12 – 3pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6pm.