If you’ve been somewhat present in the Cape Town beer scene over the past few years, the name Beerworks might well be familiar to you. Originally started as one of the brands at the now sadly defunct Brewers Co-op in Woodstock, you’ve perhaps seen them at festivals with their beer wagon. One of the most striking stands at any fest, it was a quirky old truck whose bonnet was filled with kegs and topped with taps.  (Incidentally the truck, which like much of the decor at the taproom was built with recycled bits and bobs, is now for sale).

Since the Co-op closed in 2020, Beerworks has been in the process of securing their own premises. Now, many months of red tape wrangling later, they are finally open.

Carrying on the cooperative theme, Beerworks at the Yard is a collaboration between Beerworks founders Tim Bugler, Phil Crowson and Hester Bergh, and former Old Potter owner/Fools & Fans Fest organiser /general connoisseur of awkward hellos, Trevor Gerntholtz. The brewing focus is on small-batch fun, with the 16 taps constantly featuring experimental once-offs as well as a few fan favourites. 

Beerworks hopes to be a haven for Cape Town beer enthusiasts, offering homebrew bottle shares, monthly quiz nights, bring-and-braai sessions, beer pairing evenings, brewing classes and the chance to join in on brewdays. And it all kicks off this Saturday, 3rd September, with the official launch party. Doors open at noon, with a midday mash-in on a small-batch brew for those keen to learn more about the brewing process. Throughout the afternoon there will be braai, beer, biryani and axe throwing.

Yes, you read that correctly – opposite Beerworks is XOXO Urban Axe Throwing Lounge, where you launch axes at a dartboard-like target. Great for stress relief I imagine, though I would suggest partaking before you get too stuck into the beer. It’s being offered at a special rate on launch day – book a spot at the bar when you arrive.

Also available this Saturday is a very limited edition collab brew I did with Trevor – a low ABV (axe-throwing friendly) Scottish Light Ale that we’re calling Wee Wee. This is because at about 2.8% it’s not a Wee Heavy, not because it is our version of the medieval ale known as lant.

I mean, beer that doesn’t* contain urine, loads of fun folk drinking ale and eating chops, plus the chance to launch axes across a room – how could you consider being anywhere else this weekend?

Beerworks at the Yard is located at 100 Voortrekker Road in Salt River. Open Wed-Fri from 4pm to 8pm, Sat 12pm-7pm and Sundays for private bookings.

(*Editor’s note – This is not to imply that any other beers in Cape Town, or indeed elsewhere in South Africa, do contain urine. I was just reiterating that our Wee Wee contains no wee.)