Jeff Argent says his beers are best enjoyed with a side of the Illawarra lifestyle.
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The director of the Illawarra's latest craft beer outfit and tap room, Seeker Brewing, says the style of beer and attitude in the taproom is all about the constant search for the next wave or the perfect ride.
"The ethos is we want to brew those beers that go well after a day of surfing, mountain biking and watching music," Mr Argent said.
The man behind Seeker Brewing got to know the Illawarra when his gypsy brewing crew Grassy Knoll Brewing moved operations from Sydney to Wollongong, and fell in with Michael Peloquin of Bulli Brewing.
When the opportunity came up to purchase the equipment and rent the site of Bulli Brewing in Unanderra, Mr Argent decided it was time to take the next step.
"After living here for a couple of years, I wanted to align the brewing name with seeking out that adventure," he said.
For those familiar with Grassy Knoll's brews, the Seeker beers will feel similar, however Mr Argent has gone further in using different ingredients and hops.
"It's how I've always loved brewing," he said. "It's exploring new hops, hop combos and malt."
Grassy knoll turned heads with an avocado beer in 2021, and Mr Argent said that he is working on a brew inspired by a pizza flavour, to be showcased at craft beer and cider festival GABS but further details remain under wraps.
Where he is getting inspiration from is more clear, however, with the Bulli Brewing warehouse renovated and the onsite cafe replaced with a wood-fired pizza oven.
The pizzas are classic Italian styles, with only a few select ingredients designed to complement the brews.
After ordering a beverage from the five metre long, red gum slab bar, there's stools and couches aplenty to choose from.
Live music will also be part of the offer, with Daniel Radburn of Rad Bar brought into run monthly, ticketed live music events.
Other local collaborations include with mountain bike clothing store Huck the World.
"We really wanted to promote how much there is to do, as well as making good beer for locals," Mr Argent said.
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