In partnership with The Squire’s Landing.
Since opening its most ambitious flagship brewhouse to date, historically sanctified brewer James Squire now lays claim to the world’s most spectacular beer house. The reasons are obvious, and they count much more than just that arresting view over Sydney Harbour.
The oddly uniquely-shaped building stares directly at the Sydney Opera House’s shells, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge to its left. Counting historic sandstone stores as neighbours, Squire’s Landing feels right at home. And there’s a reason for that.
As part of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Squire’s Landing cements its founder’s legacy as one that’s completely inseparable from Sydney Harbour, given the famed brewer first arrived as a convict on the very fleet that settled Sydney in 1788.
Considering Squire originated Sydney’s lifelong love affair with craft beer, this brewhouse treats beer as part of Sydney’s historical infrastructure rather than a lifestyle indulgence. And that’s a history worth immersing yourself in, not only to better understand one of the greatest stories behind Sydney’s evolution, but to sample the city’s evolving tastes.
That idea comes into sharp focus during the venue’s Meet the Brewer sessions, a small-group experience that pulls back the curtain on how James Squire beers are made on site. You are taken inside the working brewhouse, introduced to the brewing team, and guided through a tasting of core beers alongside limited releases and brews exclusive to The Squire’s Landing.
These sessions are informal, generous and layered with history. James Squire’s story is essential to understanding how deeply embedded beer is in the story of Sydney. History lessons are rarely this fun, this picturesque, and this delicious, so it’s a great way to unlock a part of the city that brings the past, present and future together in a way that’s wholly unique to the renowned label.
As you sample different beers, the brewers discuss how ingredients, fermentation, and flavour are combined, as well as how modern brewing strikes a balance between creativity and consistency. It’s the kind of insight you rarely get unless you’re standing next to those big, beautiful tanks themselves, all standing surrounded by clear glass, so never forget where you are while you’re sipping on your samples.
Food is treated with similar restraint. Specially matched canapés, built around locally sourced ingredients, are designed to pair perfectly with the beer. And while you’re sipping, eating and viewing the harbour through a new lens, you’ll get a good chunk of time to chat with the brewmaster about his inspirations, brewing techniques that have been refined across centuries, and upcoming seasonal releases.
There are three more Meet the Brewer dates scheduled for 2026 – March 14, May 16 and July 18. Each session offers the same behind-the-scenes structure, with enough variation in beers and discussion to keep you engaged from start to finish.
If you aren’t already, these are the kind of behind-the-scenes sessions that turn casual sippers into Squire devotees, so it’s more than likely you’ll want to visit again, and again. There’s an app that’ll reward your loyalty.
So you’ve taken a session, fallen in love with The Squire’s Landing (like the rest of us) and plan on bringing your mates back. Download The Pass (iOS/Android) to unlock exclusive offers at The Squire’s Landing and other venues, making your frequent visits a bit easier on the wallet.
You’ll want to get in early. The sessions are intentionally kept small and intimate, which means they book up fast. Plus, they only pop up every couple of weeks, so you’ve got to get the timing right if you want to really throw yourself at everything that has made The Squire’s Landing an indelible part of Circular Quay and a great place to drink, think and soak in one of the most envied views in the world.
To book your ‘Meet the Brewer’ session head to thesquireslanding.com.au.
