Location
Sitting on an industrial estate on Technology Drive, Warana, it can be found from Kawana Way and Nicklin Way. While a big sign can be seen as you cross the Mooloolah River on Kawana Way, it is not the same from Nicklin Way. However, it’s easy to find. Turn off on Production Avenue by Officeworks and you will soon be holding your chilled ale.
Why am I reviewing it?
Madhatterpress has been documenting travel since 2020. Everywhere I go gets a travel piece written. While I have reviewed the odd ‘attraction’ too, I’ve upped my game and started to include favourite eateries….and breweries.
I became aware of this one when I started seeing the sign as I drove down Kawana Way. It became one of those, ‘we really should go check it out’ kind of places. And so, one day, dad and I did.
First Impressions
When you first pull up in the car park, the first thing you notice is how big it is, which is why an industrial estate is a perfect location for a brewery. ‘Your Mates’ has a side entrance which is easy to find. Bar staff attend to you as soon as you arrive and direct you to a table.
It is a laid-back venue with a play area for children and tables local to it for parents. The brewery attracts everyone. From families to couples. From singles to tradies. People are allowed to bring their dogs in too. Of course, they also attract parents and their adult children (like dad and I)
There are tables by the back door of the pub that are low and accessible. There are high bar stool tables as well. The venue has an industrial feel but that is punctuated by personality. Canvas images of a local photographer’s work fill one wall. A huge image of the Glasshouse Mountains envelopes the children’s area.
Staff
The staff are simply great. Familiar staff shout greetings and come to say hello when they spot you at the table. Familiar staff have been known to ask dad, “are you having wings as usual?” When we go to ‘Your Mates,’ it is usually dad and I visiting. On one occasion, when I took a friend, I was asked where dad was!
Beer Selection
There is a wide variety of beers, ale, and lager. My dad is the drinker when we go, and I am the driver. I am reliably informed that each one he has drunk has always hit the mark. He loves his IPAs. ‘Cold IPA’ was a favourite along with ‘Sir Walter’ and ‘Sally.’
The alcohol content of the drinks he has are 5% ABV and over
Food
The menu is superb and offers daily specials as well as a regular menu. For example, on a Wednesday after 5pm, you can have ribs, coleslaw, and fries for $21. The quality of the food is exceptional, and service is always good.
Favourites include the ribs and the hot honey chicken burger. The beef burgers are particularly nice, and I should mention that this brewery has no issues with adapting a meal if you did not want onions or salad for example.
Brewery Events
The brewery holds regular events, ticketed and non ticketed events. It holds regular fundraising events as well as brewery tours.
Merchandise
Merchandise is available in the way of beer, clothing, bar mats, glasses, stubby holders and more.
Pricing
Pricing is extremely reasonable. The food is well worth the price.
Overall, this is a hidden gem that everyone should visit. Food✔️ Ales ✔️ Merchandise✔️ Live Music ✔️ Trivia Night✔️ and more.
