What the locals are loving: Bodriggy Brewing Company

What the locals are loving: Bodriggy Brewing Company

When word spread around Abbotsford that the team behind local bistro-disco institution Dr Morse had picked up the old Johnson Street Auto LP gas converter over the road to create a lively brew-pub, it’s fair to say ears were pricked. Just a couple of clicks northeast of Melbourne, Abbotsford has always been a bohemian area with a vibrant hospo scene, but Pete Walsh and his beer-loving business partners felt there was something missing.

“Since we knew the area, we thought we knew what people wanted – a lively space that would cater to families, older people and be quite an ‘activated’ space with live music during the night,” he says. “We genuinely were excited about our ability to offer insanely fresh beer, essentially poured out of a giant keg to hold its freshness and not depreciate.”

They spent the best part of three years in council applications and construction as they converted the old block into the vibrant ‘70s-inspired space that opened in 2019, effortlessly catering to the Abbotsford bohemian set.

“Traditionally it’s quite a gritty area, there’s lots of street art and shabby housing – that eclectic mix makes it really special,” Walsh says. “There’s lots of musicians, artists and professionals living the city life, and that combination makes it kind of cool … and a challenge to make beer consistently for people that cover all those bases.”

But the locals have been unwavering in their support. “About 80 percent of all beer we make is sold within a 5km radius of the business,” Pete says. “It’s important we have our finger on the pulse in regards to what people want in this area – and I think most of the time, we do a pretty good job of it.”