Looking for Deeds Taproom & Kitchen in Melbourne? Sadly, this craft beer gem recently closed its doors. This iconic Glen Iris venue combined amazing house-brewed beers with tasty food in a stunning converted workshop space.
Before its closure on March 22, 2025, Deeds was the go-to spot for beer lovers seeking quality brews and good vibes. The venue earned serious street cred with 28 rotating taps and budget-friendly food specials.
This article dives into what made Deeds special, from its award-winning beers to its industrial-chic design. We’ll explore the best deals they offered, their standout menu items, and why this beloved brewery couldn’t weather the storm.
Whether you’re mourning its loss or just curious about Melbourne’s craft beer history, join us for one last round at Deeds Taproom & Kitchen.
The Final Pour: Deeds Taproom
Craft beer fans in Melbourne are raising one last glass to Deeds Taproom & Kitchen, which closed for good on March 22, 2025. The beloved Glen Iris spot served its final pints after a roller-coaster journey in Melbourne’s craft beer scene.
The taproom opened in 2021 after getting council approval in 2020. Owners used the COVID lockdown time to design and build their dream spot. The venue quickly became known for great beer and food in a cool setting.
What started as engineering students Patrick Alé and David Milstein’s dream in 2003 grew into a respected beer brand by 2012. They found their Glen Iris home in 2015, with brewing starting on-site in 2019.
Sadly, rising costs and tax issues led to the tough choice to close. The team posted a heartfelt goodbye on social media, thanking loyal customers who supported them through good times and bad.
For many locals, Deeds wasn’t just a place to drink beer – it was where memories were made. The closure marks the end of an era for Melbourne beer lovers.
Inside The Cool Space: A Brewery With Style
Walking into Deeds Taproom & Kitchen felt special from the first step. The space used to be a car workshop from the 1890s, giving it instant character and history.
Design firm Splinter Society transformed the old building into something fresh while keeping its industrial roots. Black metal mesh screens let you peek at the brewing tanks, making you feel part of the beer-making magic.
The original steel frame and sawtooth roof stayed in place, honoring the building’s past. What really wowed visitors were the huge fermentation tanks built right into the bar area.
The space balanced raw brewery energy with surprising elegance. It never felt like just another bar – it was both fancy and fun at the same time.
Large windows flooded the space with natural light during the day, while evenings brought a cozy glow perfect for sipping craft brews. The designers created different zones to suit various moods and group sizes.
Beer lovers could watch brewers at work while enjoying the fruits of their labor. This connection between making and drinking made Deeds stand out in Melbourne’s crowded beer scene.
Beer Worth Talking About: What Made Deeds Special
The heart of Deeds Taproom & Kitchen was its impressive beer lineup. With 28 taps pouring house-made brews, there was always something new to try – the team released two fresh beers every two weeks!
Their commitment to trying new things made Deeds a paradise for beer geeks. You could sample everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and experimental fruit sours all made on-site.
The quality spoke for itself when Deeds won “Champion Medium Australian Brewery” and “Champion Victorian Brewery” at the 2023 Australian International Beer Awards. These top honors showed their brewing skills.
Beer flights let budget-minded visitors sample several styles without breaking the bank. For under $20, you could try four different beers and figure out your favorite.
Happy Hour (Wednesday through Friday, 4-6pm) offered $8 house pints and wines – a steal for craft beer in Melbourne. This deal made Deeds a great after-work spot for locals.
What made the beer experience special was how staff shared their knowledge. They’d help you find something you’d love whether you were a beer pro or just beer-curious.
Eat, Drink, Repeat: Food That Matched The Beer
The food at Deeds Taproom & Kitchen wasn’t an afterthought – it stood tall beside the excellent beer. The kitchen team created dishes that both complemented and showcased their brews.
Monday Burger and Ribs Night was a crowd favorite. The house-minced Wagyu patties had die-hard fans, while the tonkatsu glazed baby back ribs fall-off-the-bone tender. Both options came in under $20 during special nights.
Tuesday and Wednesday Steak Nights featured premium Wagyu cuts that were a step above typical pub fare. The chefs knew how to treat good meat with respect.
Thursday Schnitzel Night brought Japanese-inspired Bannockburn Maryland Chicken Schnitzel to hungry patrons. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and always a good match with a crisp lager.
The kitchen often hosted pop-ups too. In its final weeks, the REI Pop Up Kitchen drew crowds eager for one last taste of something special alongside Deeds brews.
Small plates and shareable options made it easy to try multiple dishes without spending too much. The food menu changed with the seasons, using local ingredients when possible.
Perfect For Groups: How Deeds Hosted The Good Times
Deeds wasn’t just for casual drop-ins – it excelled at hosting groups of all sizes. The space could handle anywhere from 20 to 250 guests, making it perfect for birthday parties, work events, or just big gatherings of friends.
The Brewer’s Table offered an intimate setting for smaller groups. Made from reclaimed timber beams that once supported the brewery roof, this special spot seated 18 guests or held 25 standing.
For medium-sized groups, The Mezzanine provided an elevated view of the action below. With three large booths, it fit 30 seated guests or 50 standing – perfect for watching the brewery buzz from above.
Function packages included options for every budget. The House Package featured core beers, while the Full Package added limited and seasonal releases for true beer fans.
The staff made planning easy with clear options and helpful suggestions. Many locals booked the space for milestone birthdays or engagement parties over the years.
Group bookings often received special attention from the brewing team. Sometimes they’d even offer behind-the-scenes tours as part of the experience.
Budget-Friendly Tips: Getting The Most From Your Visit
Smart visitors knew how to enjoy Deeds without emptying their wallets. Timing your visit around specials was key – Monday through Thursday offered the best value with themed food nights.
Happy Hour (Wednesday-Friday, 4-6pm) was the ultimate hack for budget drinkers. $8 house pints meant you could try several different beers without spending big.
Sharing plates with friends let everyone taste more dishes while keeping costs down. The menu was designed with sharing in mind, with many items priced under $20.
Joining the brewery’s mailing list gave you heads-up on special events and deals. Members often got first dibs on limited release beers and discounts on merch.
Visiting during the day on weekends meant you’d avoid the busiest times while still enjoying the full menu. Plus, natural light made the space even more impressive.
Taking home cans or growlers of your favorite beer was cheaper than drinking multiple pints on-site. The taproom offered fair prices on takeaway options until its final day.
The Tough Reality: Why Craft Breweries Are Struggling
The closure of Deeds Brewing wasn’t an isolated case. Over 12 other Australian craft breweries entered voluntary administration in the year before Deeds’ troubles, including well-known names like Akasha, Black Hops, and Hawkers Beer.
Multiple factors created what industry experts called “the perfect storm.” Production costs soared, with some breweries reporting that making the same beer cost 23% more in 2024 than in 2018.
Australia’s beer tax ranks as the third highest in the world, putting extra pressure on small producers. Raw materials jumped 37-40% in just 12 months, making each batch more expensive to brew.
Energy prices shot up by as much as 51%, while CO2 gas shortages created additional headaches. Many breweries also struggled with COVID-era tax debts they couldn’t shake.
For Deeds specifically, a major malt contamination incident forced them to pull numerous beers from sale. This created what owner Patrick Alé called a “massive cash flow hole” they couldn’t recover from.
Despite winning industry awards and having loyal customers, these financial pressures proved too much. Their story shows how even well-run, popular breweries face huge challenges in today’s market.
Last Call: The Final Days At Deeds
When Deeds announced their final closing date of March 22, 2025, fans rushed to visit one last time. The final weekend became a celebration of everything the brewery had accomplished.
Friday, March 21 featured a special seated dining experience with discounted menu items. Tables filled quickly as regulars and first-timers alike wanted to be part of the farewell.
Saturday, March 22 became “one final day of celebration” with their highest-rated beers on tap. The team pulled out all the stops, offering special takeaway food and beer deals for those wanting keepsakes.
The atmosphere mixed sadness with gratitude as staff and customers shared memories. Many brought photos from past events, creating an impromptu memory wall during the final hours.
Long-time customers wore brewery merch from years past, showing their support right until the end. Some traveled hours just to raise a final glass in the iconic space.
The simple Instagram post on March 23 saying goodbye marked the official end. But for those who experienced Deeds Taproom & Kitchen, the memories will last much longer.
The Legacy Lives On: What Deeds Meant To Melbourne
Though the physical taproom is gone, Deeds Brewing’s impact on Melbourne’s craft beer scene remains. They showed that a brewery could be both experimental and consistent – pushing boundaries while maintaining quality.
The beautiful brewery space inspired other venues to think beyond basic tap rooms. The blend of working brewery and stylish bar raised expectations for what craft beer venues could be.
For newer breweries, Deeds provided both inspiration and caution – showing the heights possible while highlighting the challenges of the industry. Their story contains valuable lessons for future beer makers.
Beer fans can still find remaining Deeds products online and in bottle shops across Australia – at least until stocks run out. These final batches have become collector’s items for some enthusiasts.
The brewery’s commitment to “brewing beer worth sharing” lives on in the memories of those who gathered there. Many friendships and even relationships began over Deeds pints.
Melbourne lost more than just a brewery – it lost a community hub where craft and creativity flowed freely. But the spirit of what made Deeds special continues in Australia’s resilient craft beer scene.
Find Your Next Craft Beer Adventure
With Deeds now closed, beer lovers are searching for new favorites. Melbourne’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with several standout venues carrying the torch for independent brewing.
Look for places that show the same care for both beer and atmosphere that made Deeds special. The best spots combine quality brewing with thoughtful food options and welcoming spaces.
Support your local craft breweries by visiting regularly and buying direct. Small brewers face the same challenges that affected Deeds, and your patronage helps them survive.
When you find a beer you love, spread the word. Social media posts, reviews, and good old word of mouth help small breweries build the loyal following they need.
Consider joining a craft beer club or attending festivals to discover new favorites. The community aspect of craft beer remains strong even as individual venues come and go.
Remember that each independent brewery represents someone’s dream and hard work. The passion that drove Patrick Alé and David Milstein lives on in brewers across Australia.
The story of Deeds Taproom & Kitchen may have ended, but Melbourne’s love affair with craft beer continues – one thoughtfully made pint at a time.
