Launch of Pirate Life in South Melbourne
We enjoyed the exciting launch of beer behemoth Pirate Life in South Melbourne. An open fire kitchen, cold beers, fabulous food and curated wines were a feature.
Set in an ex-mechanic workshop the 220 capacity taproom venue has already made its mark in the South Melb market precinct with a sensational fit out, friendly staff and a cracking food and beverage offering. 
We’ve been enjoying Pirate Life’s beers hailing from their Port Adelaide HQ and are stoked they now have a presence in Melbourne. But not just beers, they also feature quality dishes and top notch wine and spirits.
Beers excite with 16 superb beers on tap incl Hazy IPA, Market St Lager, Classic Lager, South Coast Pale Ale, Mosaic Single Hop IPA, Vanilla Malt Thickshake Nitro IPA, Classic Cola and even an alcoholic Lemonade, which is a hit. Think core range classics and tasty limited releases.
Wine list is incredible with many highlights (11 cracking wines by the glass) including Italian Pinot Grigio and a sensational J&S Filke Chardonnay as well as Heathcote Shiraz. Certainly not a cavalcade of quaffers.
Pirate Life food offerings surprised me and are elevated and not predictable (not predictable pub food). Crowd pleasers abound and we experienced -
✨Maria’s Woodfired Flatbread with additions of Tomato Garlic, Bresaola (yes please), and Tirokafteri (perfect start)
✨Cold Pacific Oysters with Sour Mignonette
✨Pickled Octopus with Ajo Blanco, Oregano
✨Blistered Vinegar Peppers
✨Blistered Leeks
✨Raw Bonito
✨Wood Oven Baby Kestrels, Chicken Bits, Crème Fraiche
✨Nic’s Dirty Rice, Market Seafood, Cajun Soffritto (rustic and rewarding)
✨Low and Slow Beef Asado Ribs (showstopper dish)
✨Iceberg Lettuce, Horseradish Vinaigrette, Manchego 
It was great to meet Katie, Head of Hospitality for the group and hear that Pirate Life wanted to do something unique that is a proud extension of their love for quality produce, beverages and hospitality beyond their Port Adelaide brewery. 
Prices across the board looked reasonable to me. This event caught my attention as a destination I intend to return to.