The low-to-no-alcohol category has witnessed incredible growth in recent years, spurred by innovative new operators such as the Gold Coast-born Sobah Beverages, which has been firmly focused on changing the culture around drinking since 2017 with its bush tucker-infused beers. Now, the proudly Aboriginal owned and led non-alcoholic craft-beer company has embarked upon their most ambitious venture yet, a 650-sqm brewing facility and cafe on Kombumerri Country.

Whether you’re in prep mode for Oc-sober, you’re taking a hiatus from hangovers or you’re just in the mood to try something new, Sobah Brewery & Cafe is definitely one to add to your brunch-club group chat. The venue has been a two year labour of love from owners Clinton Schultz and Lozen McDiarmid-Schultz, who are passionate about bringing a new kind of culinary experience to the Gold Coast.

Upstairs, you’ll find a multi-purpose space that lends itself to events such as yoga, workshops, meetings, celebrations and events such as the First Nations Artisan Market, which is taking place this Saturday August 19. Downstairs is where you will find Sobah’s shiny new 50-hectolitre brewing equipment and 70-seater cafe, which is decked out with recycled timber, industrial accents and polished concrete floors.

Your gaze will be immediately drawn to the striking wedge-tailed eagle artwork by First Nations artist Alara Geebung Cameron, which presides over the main dining space. When it comes to the food, Sobah Brewery & Cafe takes diners on a journey of flavours, shining a spotlight on native ingredients.

Fusing culture and cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience, the menu is brought to life by head chef Iesha Elia, who could very well be one of the happiest chefs getting around. Get your day off to a cracking start with a bacon-and-egg roll slathered with bush-tomato relish or eggs your way with quandong chutney on Burleigh Baker sourdough.

From 10:30 am, the menu expands to include a selection of burgers alongside a clutch of mains. For those with more conventional taste buds, the chicken burger topped with bacon, avocado, pineapple, tomato and leafy greens is a great choice, but if you’re in the mood for something different, swap the chicken for crocodile. The mains include dishes such as black wattle hot-smoked kangaroo fillet with bearnaise, beans and greens and barramundi wrapped in paperbark with coconut, finger lime and seasonal roasted vegetables.

Hot tip, add a roll of handmade damper with wattle-seed butter.  “A non-alc brewery wouldn’t suit the typical brewpub style, so we’ve created a cafe-style venue for breakfast and lunches and everything in between,” Lozen says. It goes without saying that Sobah beer features heavily on the drinks list, but if beer isn’t your bev of choice, you can sip a glass of Altina non-alc wine or a refreshing mix from Clovendoe Distillery.

There’s also a selection of juices and coffee by Aromas Coffee Roasters, which is Indigenous-owned. “Creating a space where everyone feels welcome and connected is at the heart of what we do. We want our brewery and cafe to be a place where friendships are made and memories are cherished,” says Lozen.

Sobah Brewery & Cafe is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide for opening times.

This article was written by Jade Quinlivan from The Weekend Edition Gold Coast.