Felons Brewing at Howard Smith Wharves has a panoramic Brisbane River outlook for brewers, craft beer drinkers and diners. Positioned under the iconic Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves it brings freshly brewed beer to the river bank. It’s a win/win for beer lovers and Felons’ brewers. Beer lovers can watch the brewing process through large open windows and the brewers creating the Felon beers get to enjoy stunning Brisbane River views.
Felons Brewing beer menu
There is a team of passionate beer experts behind Felons Brewing Co, so you can expect to enjoy some interesting beers here. Many of the crew were formerly associated with Little Creatures. They have brought plenty of experience to Brisbane to create local brews for local views.
The beers include an Australian Pale Ale, Crisp Lager, IPA and a Low Carb beer. For something a little adventurous, try some of their limited releases where the brewers have been experimenting with new flavours. Check the blackboard for your choices. Do you want to try them all? A Tasting Paddle is the best way to go with four 200ml beers and ciders to taste,
Adding diversity to the lineup is the Sonny Sparkling Apple Cider made with granny smith apples sourced on the Granite Belt. It’s fresh, vibrant and very drinkable. There’s also a Jombuch with turmeric, ginger and lemon myrtle. The kombucha ingredients are sourced from farmers in Byron Bay. Made without powders, it is packed with probiotics.
It is all about brewing natural and balanced beers here. “We are really conscious of keeping our impact on the planet as low as possible,” says Head Brewer Tom Champion. “During my many years in brewing, I’ve learnt the little things count as much as the big initiatives.”
Felons Brewing food menu
You’ll find plenty to fill your tummy in the Felons Brewing menu. It is filled with plenty of light and healthy options, such as broccoli and falafel bowls as well as beefy burgers and crisp chicken wings. Start with some oysters or a Mooloolaba king prawn cocktail and move on to their extensive pizza menu.
Are you curious about the name, Felons?
I was surprised to learn the brewing company has been named after four escaped convicts who were the first Europeans to discover the Brisbane River. Their sense of direction was really off, as they had intended to head south and ended up discovering the Brisbane River. The convicts brought John Oxley back, and he got the credit for naming the river.
Where are Howard Smith Wharves and Felon Brewing?
You’ll find Howard Smith Wharves, and Felons Brewing under the Story Bridge stretched along the cliff face at New Farm from the ground. You can’t miss the big Felons Brewing Co sign painted on the shed roof from the bridge or when cruising up the Brisbane River.
Originally constructed in the 1930s, Howard Smith Wharves were a project to provide locals with relief work during the depression. It was abandoned in the 1960s but is now heritage listed as a rare surviving example of early infrastructure building in Brisbane. Backing the site are soaring cliffs and 2.7 hectares of natural parkland. The lift or stairs to the cliff top and enjoy spectacular views of the Brisbane River as it snakes its way through the city.
You can walk to the site along the river, stretching from the city to New Farm. Parking is available at the Howard Smith Wharves Secure Parking station.
Exploring the area
Felons is close to Brisbane’s CBD area and Fortitude Valley. Here are some places to check out around Felons.
- Mr Percival’s is an overwater bar next door to Felons
- Crystalbrook Vincent is the closest hotel to Howard Smith Wharves
- Local dining spots include Leonards Bar & Bistro, Bisou Bisou, and vegetarian restaurant ZA ZA TA.