We're Back!

2020 hasn't been much fun for anyone.

Many of the region's breweries have been hit hard. Taprooms and cellar doors have been closed for a significant portion of the year, with breweries having to rely solely on their packaged beer for income. Many of our favourite bars, restaurants and bottle shops have also had to find new ways to sustain their business during these difficult times.

The events industry is hurting too. Many of Bendigo's biggest and brightest attractions have been cancelled. Including our own Bendigo On The Hop. The pride and joy of Bendigo Beer, it was with a heavy heart that veteran committee members conceded it could not go ahead.

But we haven't been inactive. We're still doing what we can to support the independent beer scene and hammer home the message to support local. It's now more important than ever. Through social media and other platforms, we've worked hard to stay engaged with Bendigo's beer lovers and let you know how you can support the breweries and venues you love.

Breweries such as Brookes, Palling Bros, Shedshaker, Cornella Brewery and Tooborac have weathered the storm, but it's important to keep on supporting them. The economic impacts of this year's events will no doubt be with us for a while.

With restrictions slowly easing, it's great to see venues opening up and trading again. The Dispensary, The Cambrian Hotel, The Goldmines Hotel, The Rifle Brigade, GPO, Babylon, Ex Lion Tamer and Harpoon Social Club are all trading under the current guidelines. Their capacity is limited, so we recommend checking their socials and websites for the latest about how they are operating.

If you're still cautious, you can get the latest craft beers delivered via Hop Supply Co's online store or swing through the well-stocked bottle shop at The Farmers Arms. You can even get The Cambrian to fill up 500ml cans, directly from their taps, to take home.

The team at Bendigo Beer are looking forward to 2021. We've recruited some passionate new team members and they're eager to contribute. Their fresh ideas will compliment the experience of the already great bunch of enthusiastic beer advocates.

There's so much to look forward to in the city's indie beer scene. Former committee member and Bendigo Beer co-founder Justin McPhail, is moving Hustler to a bigger location, with 10 taps of delicious beer, and Flight Bar will be taking up residence where it used to be. There are whispers of a possible Indies satellite party at Handle Bar next month, a Beer vs Wine night is planned for Nimbus Rooftop with tickets on sale soon, and the annual Bendigo Beer homebrew competition looks set to go ahead in December too.

We're looking forward to Bendigo On The Hop 2021 and the opening of Bendigo's own brewpub inside the former Palmer's Gym site on McCrae Street. They’ve got an experienced young brewer who’s spent time at independent Australian breweries Stone & Wood and Moo Brew.

To stay up to date on these events and many other exciting things we have planned, keep an eye on our website. We're going to be utilising it a lot more in the coming months.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon. In the meantime, stay safe.

Cheers!