Drop into Islington's Shout Brewery for pizza, community vibes, and The Mullet, their hottest 100 brew
When four mates: Dylan, Jake, Jim, and Michael, launched their very own independent, family-owned small-batch brewery in 2018, there wasn’t a huge amount happening in Newcastle’s craft beer industry, so they decided to take the leap.
All hailing from country NSW, the quad of beer-loving mates came together to play soccer in Mayfield and shared a love and passion for the golden beverage. Like many brewery stories go, it was over a schooner or two that the concept for Shout came to life.
Originally launching in Mayfield West, Shout Brewing Co. has since made a big impact on our local brewing scene, and in 2020 moved into their new space on Islington’s Clyde Street. Fast forward to 2025 and Shout Brewing continues to rocket along.
Laura Morgan and Jake Gardiner
Not only has the space become a hit with regulars, and visitors alike, it’s their beer that has been making headlines of late as Shout’s Sales Manager Laura Morgan explained,
“Our Mullet Pale Ale is our most popular and that was reaffirmed when it was announced in number 46 position in this year’s GABS Hottest 100 awards."
“We came 66 in 2023, and before that we were 153. So we've been making strides over the years and we’re really stoked about it. We had a big event at the brewery on the day and a massive cheer went out when it was announced, it was so nice.”
The only Newcastle and Hunter region brew to make the GABS list in 2025, I asked Head Brewer Jake what he considered to be the secret to Shout’s success.
“All the brewers in the region are doing something a little bit different, and I do also think we're really lucky in the sense that the Newcastle/Hunter region has the highest per capita consumption of craft beer. But for us as a brewery, I would also say we’re really focused on the people.
“We like to offer guests a true brewery experience, so wherever you might pull up a chair you’ll be able to see the brewery in full action. We know all our regulars quite personally, and the brewery has become a little community space.
“We’re very people focused, especially when it comes to the beer. One of my favourite things to do is converting people to beer in the first place.
“It’s a lot of fun when you manage to do it, and I've taken great joy in trying to get a lot of people across.
“I also think our branding sets us apart. It’s not minimalistic in any way, and that’s how we all are, we love to have fun and don't take things too seriously."
So how did the name for The Mullet beer come about?
“The Mullet is actually named after our football team. The four owners play for the Mayfield Mullets, we’ve been named that since 2002, and it just stuck. We got in there before the mullet trend came back, not that I think it’s ever going to leave Australian culture.
Shout’s core range also includes their IPA, Keep Newy Weird, which is a delicate mix of stone fruit, pine, and citrus, and their Minnow Mid-Strength Pale Ale, for those “taking it a little easy tonight”. From time to time, the team also creates limited releases, their most recent being the Golden Nectar.
If you’re looking for an excuse to linger a little longer at Shout, the team has you covered with a fun range of flavours like the Pepper Pig, Gorgonzilla and Devil’s Dandruff on the menu. Chips are also an option, requested especially by Jake,
“I'm a sucker for chips, the big thick cut chip with truffle on top, so I’ve made sure they’re on the menu.”
Another recent addition to the brewery is their live music on the first Sunday of every month, with the focus being on original showcases from local talent, and with the stage set up in the brewing area it makes for a fantastic backdrop for the artists to perform in.
And last, but definitely not least, Jake, a massive dog-lover, said the venue welcomes the furry members of your family with open arms.
