Brunswick has long been home to some of Melbourne's best spots for good eats and cold pints, and the newly opened Keeper Brewing is the latest to join the ranks.
If the names Harry and Phil Sexton ring a bell, you’re likely a craft beer aficionado. For those less acquainted, let’s just say they’re bona fide legends in the beer world.
Image: Harry Sexton at Keeper Brewing | Supplied
Like every industry, craft beer has faced its share of challenges over the past few years—think Covid, rising barley prices due to the war in Ukraine, and inflation forcing punters to rethink how many pints they can afford. These pressures saw a wave of Aussie breweries closing their doors, including Brunswick’s beloved Temple Brewing. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. Temple’s state-of-the-art facilities have proven to be the perfect space for Keeper to reignite Melbourne’s beer scene.
At the heart of Keeper Brewing is community. Harry and his co-owners cut their teeth at Matilda Bay Brewery, itself a pioneer in Australian craft beer. Now, with Keeper, they’re carving out a fiercely independent niche, with a clear vision: quality over quantity.
Keeper’s focus is refreshingly simple: pilsner. No sprawling menus of experimental brews—just one beer, crafted to perfection.
“For me, the goal is being able to brew the best beer we possibly can, rather than something that has to make money and fit certain market criteria,” Harry says.
Image: Keeper Brewing | Supplied
Harry’s passion for pilsners stems from his dad Phil’s connection with Austrian brewery Trumer, a name fondly remembered by many Melburnians.
“I grew up seeing that in the fridge, and once I was old enough to try it, I grew up drinking it as well,” Harry says.
“I see it as something to aspire to, which is people going out there to do their one thing. And they know they’re good at it. They forgo the distractions and just try to perfect their one thing.”
Keeper Brewing isn’t just a place to enjoy great beer—it’s a community hub for Brunswick locals. With Harry already calling Brunswick home, the venue feels like a natural fit. Upstairs, there’s space for exhibitions, music events, album launches, and workshops.
The menu keeps things classic with beer snacks, fish and chips, and share plates. Alongside Keeper’s pilsner, you’ll find rotating taps showcasing Melbourne’s best craft brews. Keeper Brewing is open now at 122 Weston St, Brunswick East.
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