Redoak Boutique Beer Café

At a place like this, you’d be daft not to start with a brew. But be warned – you’ll be cruelly spoilt for choice. Thanks to master brewer David Hollyoak, Redoak boasts one of the broadest ranges of beer you’ll find – 40 different beers and ciders, all brewed within 40km of the site to David’s exacting specifications. That is, no added preservatives, additives or sugar, and they’re all brewed from 100 per cent malt. Porter ales, blackberry hefeweizen, Belgian choc-cherry stout, Bavarian pilsener, pear cider – you name it, it’s here, and the staff will happily give a guided tour of what’s on offer. There are even super-premium beers released in vintages, such as the Special Reserve or hilariously named Wee Heavy Ale, which sell at prices normally reserved for fine Champagnes. It’s little wonder the place looks a bit upmarket look for a beer joint. We prefer to keep things casual at an outdoor table, exploring the menu via the excellent beer-and-food tasting boards - four small beers matched with morsels from the menu for $20. They come in seafood, meat, vego, cheese and dessert varieties. We’ll take the lot, thanks.