Raising the bar: New seaside eatery to specialise in craft beers and local produce

Happy hour on the peninsula is about to get even better, with a new seaside venue featuring more than 20 craft brews on tap set to open its doors in a matter of weeks.

Husband and wife duo Damion and Shannen Beilby are aiming to open ERA Bar and Grill in mid-November, with the menu consisting of locally brewed beers, spirits and fresh ingredients grown and produced either right here in the Moreton Bay Region or within Southeast Queensland.

“We are focused on selling local products that really highlight the region,” Shannen said.

“We want to support those independent brewers and producers by giving them an avenue to sell their products.

“We want to bring in assorted products and flavours that people haven’t tried before, or even had the opportunity to try.

“You never know – you might just find new your new favourite drink.”

Visitors will also be able to try a beer tasting paddle board, and pair it with burgers, pizzas and tappas from the food menu – again featuring local produce.

ERA Bar and Grill is one of two projects the couple currently have underway in Moreton Bay.

They are also opening their own craft brewery and taproom in Brendale called Hip Hop Brewers – with a scheduled open date of before Christmas, if all goes to schedule.

“The brewery will be the production side for some of the beers that we will have here at ERA,” Damion said.

Hop to it and treat your tastebuds

With so many beverages on tap at ERA to tastetest, Damion has come up with an idea that will allow patrons to not only support his business, but also the brewers and distillers who are supporting him.

“I want to have a membership-style system where we can take our members out to all the breweries we have on tap,” Damion said.

“I hope to do these brewery tours every two or three months, where our members can get together and spend the day at a brewery, or maybe even visit a few in the same day, and then come back here to ERA and have a meal.

“We are pretty good friends with the guys from 20 20 Distillery and Copper and Cane Distilling – which is local to the Moreton Bay Region – so we will see what works.”

See more photos below in the gallery

Exciting new venture

The couple bought the two-storey building eight years ago, which previously was the site of the Old Moreton Bay Hotel.

“As soon as we walked in and saw that view looking out over the water, we just saw the potential,” Shannen says.

“Originally the site was a hotel, and then it underwent a little transformation and there were some commercial tenancies.

“It’s been a long time coming for us to get to this point, but we are really excited.”

Local construction crews have been working on site for the last four months fitting out the downstairs dining area, bar and kitchen.

They hope to have everything signed off and open their doors in mid-November.

Work will then commence on the upstairs portion of ERA Bar and Grill next year.

“That will be part two,” Damion said.

“That will open the area up to those beautiful bay views, with roughly 40 metres of water frontage.

“There will also be a deck upstairs, which will go over the downstairs alfresco area.”

The space will also be available to hire for functions.

A friendly atmosphere for all

Creating a friendly atmosphere where families and friends can get together to catch up for a meal and listen to some good music is important to both Shannen and Damion.

“We are all about creating ambience. We want people to be able to come here and be comfortable, feel relaxed and simply just enjoy themselves,” Shannen said.

“We will be a family-friendly venue. We have two young children and know how hard it can be to find somewhere that is suitable for everyone.

“Mum and dad can try a new drink, the menu is children friendly and the venue suitable to take them. It’s a win-win for the family.”

Damion hopes to see lots of familiar and fresh faces when they open.

“We are really excited to be opening a new venue for locals and visitors alike to enjoy,” he said.

“We will set up some tv screens where we will show some sport, whether it be football or cricket, the racing, or whatever is of current interest, and we will be playing some 80s and 90s music for everyone to enjoy. Those real bangers that everyone knows the words to.

“That’s where we got the name ERA – we love all that old music.”