If you’ve been part of Melbourne’s craft beer scene, you’ve likely heard about Deeds Taproom & Kitchen. This Glen Iris hotspot made waves with its award-winning beers and stunning industrial-chic design before closing its doors in March 2025.
We’re taking you through the complete story of this iconic venue – from its hard-fought beginnings to its final pours and the exciting new chapter that’s about to unfold in the same space. For beer lovers and foodies alike, this is the inside scoop on what made Deeds special and what’s coming next.
Grab your favorite craft beer and join us as we explore the rise, fall, and lasting impact of one of Melbourne’s most distinctive brewery experiences. The taps may have run dry, but the story is far from over.
The Story Behind Deeds Taproom & Kitchen
Tucked away in Glen Iris, Deeds Taproom & Kitchen started as a dream between two engineering students back in 2003. Patrick Alé and David Milstein didn’t jump straight into brewing – they spent 18 years running a drinks distribution business first.
The pair finally launched their own beer brand in 2012, originally calling it Quiet Deeds. They secured their Glen Iris site in 2015, but bringing their vision to life wasn’t easy.
Getting approval for their brewery and taproom was a battle. Their initial application in 2016 faced pushback from the local council, leading to multiple appeals through Victoria’s planning development process.
After years of persistence, they finally got the green light in April 2020. Talk about timing – right in the middle of the COVID pandemic! The taproom would become one of Melbourne’s most distinctive craft beer venues, though its journey would be shorter than anyone expected.
Despite the challenges, Deeds Taproom & Kitchen opened its doors and quickly became a must-visit spot for beer lovers across Melbourne. Its unique blend of industrial heritage and modern design set it apart from other brewery venues.
The space honored its history as a 1890s car workshop while creating something fresh and exciting. This balance of old and new became part of what made Deeds special in Melbourne’s competitive craft beer scene.
Award-Winning Beers and Unique Atmosphere
Deeds wasn’t just another brewery – it was an award-winning powerhouse. The team scored the title of Champion Medium Australian Brewery at the 2023 Australian International Beer Awards.
That same year, they also took home the Champion Victorian Brewery award, cementing their reputation for quality. Beer rating platform Untappd featured four Deeds brews in their Top 10 Australian beers list.
Ranked as Australia’s 5th best craft brewery in the 2020 Australian Craft Beer Survey, Deeds built a loyal following of beer enthusiasts. Their experimental approach to brewing attracted people looking for something beyond the ordinary.
The taproom itself was a stunning showcase of industrial-chic design. Created by Splinter Society Architecture, it brought visitors right into the heart of the brewing process.
Fine black steel and metal screens ran throughout the venue, balanced with warm timber and soft suedes. The contrast created a space that felt both industrial and welcoming at the same time.
Circular screens divided the ground floor from the mezzanine, while recycled timber ceiling beams found new life as tabletops. The distinctive end grain timber pattern became a signature element, especially visible at the central bar.
The Deeds Taproom Experience
Walking into Deeds Taproom & Kitchen was like entering a beer lover’s paradise. The space could host anywhere from 20 to 250 guests across its various areas, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
The Brewer’s Table offered a cozy corner overlooking the taproom and fermenters. Crafted from reclaimed timber beams, it seated 18 for dining or 25 standing guests, perfect for small groups wanting a prime view of the brewing action.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Mezzanine provided comfortable booths opposite the main bar and brewery floor. This layout gave guests a bird’s-eye view of the entire operation while enjoying their drinks and food.
The modern Australian menu was designed specifically to pair with their beers. Even in its final months, Deeds kept the specials coming with happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30pm – offering pints of core range beers or glasses of house wine for just $8.
Wednesday steak nights became a local favorite, featuring porterhouse steak and sides for $25. These regular specials helped build a loyal community around the taproom despite the challenging business environment.
The theatrical lighting throughout the venue continued patterns inspired by the brewing process. This attention to detail showed how deeply the brewing ethos was woven into every aspect of the Deeds experience.
Financial Challenges and Closure
Like many craft breweries, Deeds faced serious financial headwinds in 2024. In May that year, they entered voluntary administration, affecting all four companies under the Deeds umbrella.
The administration process, handled by Glen Kanevsky and David Orr from Deloitte Financial Advisory, highlighted the tough reality for independent breweries post-pandemic. Debt to the Australian Taxation Office became a major issue for Deeds.
Unable to negotiate an extended payment plan to settle government debt, the business found itself in a difficult position. This story played out across many small breweries during the same period, showing systemic challenges in the industry.
In a surprising turn, Deeds reopened in September 2024 for what they called a “final summer.” Patrick Alé explained this would allow them to close on their own terms and help staff get paid faster.
Three new brewers came aboard for this last hurrah, creating limited-edition beers including Flight By Night BBA Imperial Stout, Cherry Chocolate Stout, Peanut Butter Stout, and Midwinter Stout. These special releases gave fans one last chance to enjoy Deeds’ creativity.
The taproom partnered with Sliders on Tyres food truck during this final period. Led by Owen Scungio, who previously worked at Vue de Monde and Negroni Bar and Grill, they provided quality food to complement the beer lineup.
The Final Weekend at Deeds Taproom & Kitchen
After four years of serving the Melbourne craft beer community, Deeds officially closed its east Melbourne taproom and kitchen on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The team made sure to go out with a proper celebration.
The final weekend kicked off with a special seated dining experience on Friday, March 21. All mains were offered at $25 and entrees at $15, featuring their popular REI Pop Up Kitchen for one last service.
Saturday, March 22 brought the main farewell party, running from noon until late. The team pulled out all the stops, serving their highest-rated beers on tap for fans to enjoy one final time.
Visitors could also grab $25 takeaway burgers and chips, along with discounted takeaway beers. This gave longtime customers a chance to stock up on their favorites before they disappeared from shelves.
Despite the closure, Patrick Alé noted that Deeds beers would continue to be available online and in bars and bottle shops across Australia while stocks lasted. The brand might be ending its chapter, but its products would remain for a little while longer.
The final weekend had a bittersweet quality – celebrating what Deeds had accomplished while acknowledging the end of an era for Glen Iris and Melbourne’s craft beer scene. Many locals made sure to visit one last time.
What’s Next for the Former Deeds Venue
The story doesn’t end with Deeds’ closure. In April 2025, Steve Jeffares, co-founder of Stomping Ground Brewing Co, Local Taphouse, and GABS festival, acquired the lease to the former Deeds Taproom & Kitchen space.
Jeffares didn’t buy the Deeds brewery or brand – just leased the venue from the new building owners. His vision for the space, currently called “The Paran Place Project,” promises to build on what made the location special.
Expected to open in late 2025, the new venue will champion independent breweries, distilleries, wineries, and food suppliers. There will be a particular focus on products from Melbourne and Victoria, keeping the local connection strong.
Having recently stepped back from day-to-day responsibilities at Stomping Ground, Jeffares saw this as a perfect passion project. He told Beer & Brewer: “I’ve been a big fan of what Pat and Dave achieved with Deeds and the venue.”
Plans for the space include an all-weather beer garden where brewing tanks once stood. The venue will host a calendar of events both inside and occasionally in the carpark, creating new reasons for the community to gather.
A membership program for regulars will benefit both members and the neighborhood, helping to build the same sense of community that Deeds fostered. This approach shows Jeffares’ understanding of what made the space special.
Legacy of Deeds Taproom & Kitchen in Melbourne’s Craft Beer Scene
During its short run from 2021 to 2025, Deeds Taproom & Kitchen left an unmistakable mark on Melbourne’s craft beer landscape. Its award-winning beers raised the bar for quality and creativity in Australian brewing.
The venue’s distinctive design showed how industrial spaces could be transformed into welcoming hospitality venues. Many newer breweries have since taken cues from Deeds’ approach to creating immersive brewery experiences.
Deeds’ journey reflects both the creative potential and significant challenges facing Australia’s independent brewing industry. The post-pandemic landscape proved tough for many small brewers, with rising costs and changing consumer habits.
While the brand may have ended its chapter, the legacy continues to influence the Australian craft beer scene. The space itself will live on under new management, freshly serving the Glen Iris community.
For those lucky enough to have visited Deeds Taproom & Kitchen during its operation, memories of the distinctive space and excellent beers remain. The venue showed what was possible when passion for craft beer met thoughtful design.
The story serves as both inspiration for craft beer innovation and a reminder about the financial pressures facing independent breweries in Australia’s competitive hospitality industry. Deeds may be gone, but it won’t be forgotten.
Planning Your Visit to the New Venue
While we wait for Jeffares’ new project to open in late 2025, craft beer fans can explore other notable Melbourne breweries. The city remains a hotspot for innovative brewing and taproom experiences.
Keep an eye on updates about The Paran Place Project through local food and beverage publications. As opening day approaches, more details about the concept will surely emerge.
The Glen Iris location (28 Bendigo Street) remains the same, making it easy to find when the new venue opens. The industrial building’s distinctive character will continue to be a key part of the experience.
Given Jeffares’ background with Stomping Ground and the GABS festival, expectations are high for the new concept. His experience in the craft beer industry suggests the venue will maintain high standards.
Fans of Deeds’ beers should grab any remaining stock from bottle shops while supplies last. Once they’re gone, they’ll become a piece of Melbourne brewing history.
When visiting the new venue, expect the same attention to design and atmosphere that made Deeds special. While the concept will be different, the bones of the space maintain their industrial charm.
Remember to check opening hours and event schedules when the venue launches. With plans for regular events in both the main space and carpark, there will be plenty of reasons to visit throughout the year.
