Ramblers Ale Works

Like many breweries, Ramblers Ale Works started as a homebrew club. A love for travel (or rambling) first united its members in 2016, who’d bring beer recipes from across the country and world and try to recreate them together. The brew club founders – Ben Leslie and Ben Cummings, along with member Lachlan Ryan – went pro in 2021, opening a brewery and bar that brings their passion for imaginative beers to the inner east.

There’s no specific style or focus at Ramblers Ale Works, just well-made beer taking in global inspiration. Everything’s brewed in-house (of course) and is roughly split into three categories: malty, hoppy and yeasty. Regular brews include the Auburn, a malty red ale that nods to its Hawthorn home; the Pacific Rim, an easy-drinking pale ale inspired by hops from around the Pacific; and Brickmakers, a spicy French-inspired saison. You’ll also find a West Coast IPA and XPA. It’s all available by the pint, paddle or in cans to take home.

The 12 taps of house-brewed beer are the main draw, but Leslie’s winery background means there’s also a great selection of wines – mainly from independent Victorian vineyards. Food-wise, there’s a food truck serving up American-style meals. Expect toasties with 48-hour braised brisket, cheddar, chipotle aioli, and pickled zucchini; or pulled shiitake mushrooms, jalapenos and barbeque sauce. There’s also loaded burrito bowls and burgers.

Leslie and Cummings designed the space, housed in a former mechanics’ warehouse. It’s pared-back and industrial with concrete floors, red-brick walls, skylights, a wooden bar and tables. It’s spacious enough to house the giant in-house brewing system, which works its magic behind the bar, and simple enough to let a house-made pint or paddle grab most of your attention.