The pioneer of Newcastle’s craft beer scene
Stepping into The Grain Store in Newcastle’s East End, you immediately get the sense this is a venue built on passion. With 21 taps dedicated entirely to 100% Australian-owned craft beer, it’s a haven for beer lovers looking for a selection of the country’s best independent brews.
For owners Corey and Kristy Crooks, The Grain Store is much more than just a bar – it’s the embodiment of a craft beer movement they helped ignite in Newcastle over a decade ago.
The duo’s love for the craft beer scene led them to open The Grain Store in 2013, inside the historic former Toohey’s Brewery storage facility.
“When we opened doing what we wanted to do, it was a real risk. But it really has worked. We had no idea it would grow into what it has today.
“When I sit back and look back at those last 12 years, yes, a lot has changed, but the core of the venue has remained the same,” Corey said.
12 years on and The Grain Store continues doing what it has always done, celebrating Australia’s independent craft beer scene, but now does so alongside a vibrant hub of independent bars, restaurants, and breweries across Newcastle.
“Before we opened, Newcastle was a very pub-driven market. We opened alongside the likes of Casa De Loco, Cazador, Bar Petite, and Reserve Wine Bar – that was the start of a culture in Newcastle that wasn’t just about going to your local pub.”
The venue’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse appeal caters to everyone from the casual afternoon drinks and beer aficionados to families looking for a good meal and groups stopping by on their night out.
Beyond the beer, The Grain Store has also cultivated a food menu designed to complement its extensive tap list. The vibe is very much American-diner style with an Aussie pub twist. The venue’s selection of their famous wing flavours, loaded fries, and sticky pork belly bites are great for sharing (or keeping all to yourself if that’s your vibe).
For something a little more extensive, wrap your hands around one of their loaded burgers (our pick, the WhoopAss Beef Burger), dig into a seasonal salad, choose from one of their 12-inch hand-stretched pizzas, or go all out with a full rack of USA pork ribs.
“We tweak the menu, but the core of the offering is still the same. We’ve created a menu that generally speaking works year-round. We’ll just tweak the salads depending on what’s in season and change things up occasionally.”
As for the future, Corey and Kristy aren’t going anywhere. In case you’ve heard the whispers, their next venture, The Cross Keys in Tighes Hill is set to commence building soon with plans to be open over winter – watch this space.
No matter what comes next, The Grain Store remains a Newcastle institution, staying true to its mission of championing Australian craft beer.
