Tassie craft beer: Brewlab cafe, bar, hub opens at Derwent Park

Two veterans of the Hobart hospitality scene are set to open their first venture together, a craft beer precinct which will house a bar/cafe, function spaces and ‘gypsy’ brewery.

Two veterans of the Tasmanian hospitality industry are set to open their first joint venture next week, a craft beer precinct in Hobart’s northern suburbs which will house a cafe/bar, function spaces, and a ‘gypsy’ brewery.

Lesley Van Tuil and Dave Lawrence, who met while working together in the kitchen at Salamanca Pl institution The Den, will have a soft opening for Brewlab, located at 22 Gepp Pde, Derwent Park, overlooking Prince of Wales Bay, on April 27.

‘Phase one’ of the operation will see the Brewlab bar/cafe open from midday each day, serving a tight menu of American and Australian-style burgers, deli-style sandwiches, a daily salad, and eclectic sides such as ‘loaded’ new potatoes with toppings like lager aioli, jalapeños and chorizo.

The menu will be allied with a rotating roster of eight Tasmanian craft beers on tap, bottled alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and cocktails.

The cafe/bar will set up to approximately 90 patrons, with al fresco and indoor dining, as well as a beer garden.

Brewlab owners Lesley Van Tuil and Dave Lawrence at Derwent Park. Picture: Chris Kidd

‘Phase two’ will see the opening of an upstairs audiovisual-equipped function space, unofficially known as #thecraftroom, which can house business meetings for as few as six patrons, right up to standing functions of up to 80.

Bookings have already been received for the space, which will hit the ground running from mid-May.

The function space will be equipped with a smoker and roll-top BBQ, enabling Brewlab to serve different menus to that of the downstairs bar/cafe.

Finally, ‘phase three’ will see the opening of a ‘gypsy’ microbrewery, which enables Brewlab to host training courses and hire out the facility to independent and private brewers.

The space dedicated to the ‘gypsy’ microbrewery also transforms into a separate function space, enabling punters to brew beers for service at their own events – #thecraftroom also has four taps equipped.

Brewlab at Derwent Park. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Both of us come from a background of passion towards the industry,” said Ms Van Tuil, formerly of Botanica Bar, The Den and Lenah Valley’s Whisk & Co, which is owned by her family.

“We saw the need for something like this in greater Hobart to facilitate... the Tasmanian craft brewing movement, as well as show what we can do regards providing quality service and really amazing food.”

Mr Lawrence, who formerly chefed at his brother-in-law’s venues Taco Taco and Belles Burgers, said Hobart’s northern suburbs were underserviced.

“The community out here don’t really have many venues available in walking distance,” he said.

“We want to help build a community vibe and be really inclusive.”

Originally published as Tassie craft beer: Brewlab cafe, bar, hub opens at Derwent Park