2 minute read
Two Mates Brewing
THE GLASS IS HALF FULL AT VARSITY’S NEW TAPHOUSE
The tale of two mates, one flood and two taphouses…
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With a name like Two Mates Taphouse, you just know the place is going to be a big, warm, amber ale-infused hug. And you’d be bang on the money.
The passion project of Lismore lads Grant Smith and Andrew Newton, the Two Mates Taphouse story is quite the, well, story. These beer and good time vibing larrakins started their taphouse tale in their hometown, opening the popular Lismore enterprise. A hit with folk from all over the Northern Rivers region, they began to chew the fat about expanding their empire and launching a second Two Mates on the Gold Coast. Then something completely unforeseen happened, altering the course of their journey in ways they never imagined possible.
Like so many people in their ‘hood, they copped the full wrath of the Lismore floods, which completely ravaged their booming business. Being 11 metres above the river, they thought the taphouse was safe as houses. It wasn’t…
The unwavering support from the community saw locals rally around the gents, dedicating six months to help clean every last waterlogged inch of their favourite watering hole. They say every cloud has a silver lining and this particular (very dark) cloud had two. Firstly, it shone the spotlight on true mateship, the foundation of their business and secondly, it gave them a push (more like a shove really) to get cracking on their second taphouse. After securing the prime location in Varsity Parade, fast forward to present day and now us Gold Coasters can experience the Two Mates ‘live,
laugh, learn’ philosophy firsthand.
Like their ‘first born’ taphouse, the Varsity site was born from a love of families and friendship. A space bringing communities together to form and nurture friendships, the sips and nosh compliment this sentiment to a tee (or beer). Offering indoor and outdoor seating, the vibe is welcoming, approachable and relaxed – just like the fellas.
Settle in with your crew for craft beer and magnificent handmade artisan brews and unlike Lismore, the Varsity Two Mates has a fully operational kitchen. This means they’ve switched out the food truck eats for nosh cooked in-house by Head Chef Aaron Freeman and well played gents. Offering a fusion of eats to pair perfectly with your favourite brewski, it’s a hard yes from us.
We see nothing but blue skies ahead for this new kid on the block and its tenacious, cup is half full founders. So next beer-o-clock, head down to Varsity to support the blokes, and say cheers (on repeat) to mighty fine ales, feeds, and friends.
Images by Brittany Kreskas Words by Bianca Trathen
BOOK A TABLE HERE
Mighty fine ales, feeds and friends!
Two Mates beers are brewed in the Northern Rivers. LIVE LAUGH LEARN
