We like to have a drink at: Co-Conspirators Brewpub
We’ve been fans of Co-Conspirators for quite some time. From their distinctive cartoon cans to their impressive core range of brews, we’ve found ourselves gravitating towards their beer more than once.
What really clinched the deal was GABS a couple of years ago, when Co-Conspirators were handing out “Keep misogyny out of my beer” stickers right next to a certain brewer with a less-than-inclusive beer name.
So, on a recent visit to Melbourne, we made a point of visiting the Co-Conspirators Brewpub in Brunswick.
The Story
Co-Conspirators Brewery began when two couples—Jacqui Sacco, Tim Martin, Maggie, and Deon Smith—met at a homebrewing club and started collaborating.
Their community-minded ethos saw them becoming constant collaborators—or co-conspirators, if you will—working under the label as so-called ‘gypsy brewers’ (to use an unfortunate industry term) until they secured permanent digs of their own. “We want to conspire with others to make great beer,” says their official site.
The Victoria Street location in Brunswick finally opened in late 2021 after several pandemic-related delays.
The Experience
Located just a short walk from Upfield Station or the 19 tram from the CBD, Co-Conspirators occupies an unassuming warehouse on an industrial stretch of Victoria Road.
Once inside, everything changes. The bright red caged motif housing two dozen taps—conveniently labelled BAR in equally scarlet lettering—feels like stepping up to a amusement park booth. But instead of low odds for a plush toy, there’s a high chance of scoring a cracking beer.
Right in the middle of the room sits a 12,000-litre brewhouse, brewing exclusively for the brewpub. (You can grab takeaways, but all canned production happens at another location.)
The rest of the space is an indoor beer garden seating around 195 people, with tables, booths, and the almost obligatory barrel tables. It was quiet on the weekday afternoon we visited, but we could easily picture the joint buzzing on a busy night.
The Beers
So. Many. Beers.
The core range of ‘usual suspects’—including the recommended Lager and Hazy Pale Ale—is always a good place to start.
With the summer sun cranked up and our walk from the station behind us, we wasted little time ordering the Premium Brewpub Czech Pilsner (4.7% ABV)—a refreshing, sessionable bevvie that hit the spot.
On the advice of the staff, we followed up with The Marksman, a well-balanced XPA (5% ABV). The collab love continues here, with the tasting notes commenting that it embodies “the spirit of collaboration between the Royston Hotel and Ambrose Archery.”
Food & Pairings
One of our favourite things about the place is the food.
Mr. Charlie’s Plant-Based Burgers is currently in residence, serving up burgers and fries in familiar red and yellow packaging—a not-so-subtle nod to a certain fast-food chain. The best part? It’s all vegetarian.
The website says they’ll be there until 27 April, so get in quickly. Here’s hoping for more rotating food options in the future.
Final Thoughts
Brunswick is always a top destination for beer lovers, and Co-Conspirators are just a good group of people to support. Stop in for a glass or four, grab a bite, then wander a few blocks to check out the many eateries and brewpubs the area has to offer.
Co-Conspirators Brewpub is located at 377 Victoria Street, Brunswick, VIC