Brew Nation—at the centre of Canberra’s beer scene

Posted on 3 February, 2021

Thirsty?

With 80-plus beers on offer, 12 on tap and a constant rotation of kegs, the chances are Brew Nation will have a perfect beer for you.

The inner-city bar is the most specialised craft beer supplier in Canberra. It also has a foothold on prime meeting ground and after-work drink territory, located in the historic Sydney Building, with frontage to the bus interchange on Alinga Street and a handy link to all the food happenings in Verity Lane Market.

Now coming under Verity Lane Market management as part of the bustling new food and wine precinct that has transformed one of Civic’s most venerable buildings, Brew Nation promises to do one thing brilliantly: beer.

From sours to IPAs, lagers to bitters, ales to pilsners, Brew Nation is pretty much what the name suggests—a place to sample and enjoy Australia’s thriving beer culture.

That culture is increasingly recognised for its design ethic and Brew Nation has recently undergone a bit of a zhoosh up—with eye-catching beer can art now a sight to behold and the bar walls adorned with bright brewing designs.

You won’t find distraction in food or other alcoholic offerings here—this is a place for purists.

And even if you aren’t a beer aficionado, the staff promise to help you determine which brew will quench your thirst.

You may be best served by a four-beer sample paddle so you can ruminate on flavour profiles. For instance, did you know that the sour range of beers have fruit elements?

Beer with lemon, mango and watermelon elements sounds interesting and worthy of a taste-test, surely?

According to Phillip Keir, the mastermind behind the Verity Lane/Sydney Building reinvention, the concept relies on attracting the best chef-driven food outlets and specialised bars to the warehouse-like setting.

While we can’t say too much just yet, Brew Nation will shortly have a sister bar, Dear Prudence, which will focus on all things grapes as opposed to hops.

For those who have yet to experience the European food hall experience of Verity Lane Market, it is like a giant communal drinking and dining fest.

Brew Nation patrons will be free to order from any of the food outlets located in the market while enjoying their IPA. Perhaps a crackling fresh Margherita from Pizza Artigiana or a fragrant bowl of Ramen Daddy.

Just find a seat wherever you want and wait for your buzzer to alert you that your food is ready.

The son of a former Sydney publican, Phillip said it was exciting to see Verity Lane take off and for Brew Nation to earn new notoriety and clientele.

With ample seating onto Alinga Street, it has recently provided a bustling al fresco option to imbibe in something cold and refreshing during the summer months.

COVID has also seen the bar pivot to providing takeaway beer as well, with all cans lined down one wall for easy selection.

“It’s an easy-going place that really elevates the product,” said Phillip.

“Beer has undergone an explosion in popularity in Australia over the last decade, and we want to provide a high-grade experience for beer lovers as well as making it accessible for those who might not be that experienced with beer.”

Photography by Lean Timms