Bicheno Beer Co. to open hometown taproom in celebration of East Coast roots

Six years after brewing their first batch in a shed, East Coast locals Tom Spykers and Phil Harvey are opening their first-ever taproom.

Bicheno Beer Co.

Six years after launching their first beer, Bicheno Beer Co. is set to open their very own taproom.

From beginnings as a “side hustle” brewing in a shed, proud east coast locals Tom Spykers and Phil Harvey have gradually expanded the brand, becoming key fixtures at food festivals across Tasmania.

Created to “celebrate their hometown”, each beer is named after surf breaks and iconic locations on the East Coast.

With all products bearing the now recognisable little penguin logo designed by East Coast artist Dane Chisholm, the founders say they are committed to keeping things local.

“It’s really concentrating on acknowledging what we love about Bicheno and the East Coast,” Mr Spykers said.

“We’ve always wanted to obviously have a place for our supporters and customers to come and taste our beer.”

Mr Spykers said the new venue, with views of Bicheno’s Whalers Lookout, will fill a gap in the town’s social scene.

“We want to try and really support live music and we’ve got a few ideas around some things that are missing in Bicheno at the moment like trivia nights and sporting nights so really trying to meet a little bit of a need there,” he said.

Opening its doors to the public on May 31, the taproom itself pays homage to the founder’s beloved hometown.

Tom Spykers and Phil Harvey, owners of Bicheno Beer Company. Picture: supplied

“We’ve tried to turn the space into something really unique, something for people to enjoy, as well as enjoying our beer,” Mr Spykers said.

“There’s some really cool artwork in the space, which is quite unusual … It’s really fun, it just captures everything about Bicheno, the penguins, the water, the beach.”

Bicheno Beer Co’s open day event will kick off at their Burgess street taproom from 2pm.

Originally published as Bicheno Beer Co. to open hometown taproom in celebration of East Coast roots