Our story
2016
2019
2020
2024
2025
today
Westside Ale Works was founded in November 2016 by Casey Wagner, who decided it was time to turn his passion for homebrewing into something bigger. Nestled in a small warehouse at 23 Alfred Street, the original setup featured a 500-litre Braumeister, two fermenters, a handful of long communal tables, and just six taps pouring beer brewed on-site. With a focus on quality and experimentation, Casey steadily expanded the operation—adding more fermenters, a pizza oven, and a loyal following. Before long, the little warehouse couldn’t keep up with the growing demand, and less than two years later, it was time for a major upgrade.
In April 2019, we opened the doors to our new and improved brewery and taproom just down the road at 36 Alfred Street. With the move came big upgrades—an additional fermenter, a leap from 14 taps to 31, and the introduction of 10 rotating guest taps showcasing craft breweries from around the globe. It was an ambitious step forward, but one that quickly proved worthwhile. 2019 turned out to be a milestone year for both Casey and Westside Ale Works: we expanded the team, invested in our very own canning machine, increased brewing capacity, launched a barrel-ageing program, and entered the wholesale market for the first time.
Fast forward to 2020, and the momentum kept building. We added two 2000-litre fermenters, effectively doubling our brewing capacity and setting the stage for even greater reach. Our focus remains on getting fresh, locally brewed beer into the hands of as many people as possible—starting right here in Greater Melbourne. And of course, for the full Westside experience and the best selection of our brews, nothing beats a visit to our taproom in South Melbourne.
In 2024, after eight years of hard work and dedication, Casey Wagner said goodbye to Westside Ale Works. What began as a one-man homebrewing operation had grown into a well-loved brewery with a strong local following. As Casey moved on to new adventures, the business was handed over to our new owner, Jonathan. With Jonathan now at the helm, we’re continuing to build on the foundations laid over the past eight years—keeping things fresh while staying true to the spirit of Westside.
In 2025, with Jonathan now running the show, Westside Ale Works entered a new chapter. The brewery underwent a full rebrand and renovation at our home on 36 Alfred Street—complete with fresh flooring, updated wall paint, and a brand new logo that reflects where we’re headed. We also welcomed Leo to the team as our new brewer. With a background in winemaking and a creative approach to fermentation, Leo brings a fresh perspective to the brewing process, adding new flavours and ideas to the mix while keeping our small-batch focus front and centre.
Now under the ownership of Jonathan, Westside Ale Works continues to operate with the same passion for beer that started it all. The brewery remains a cosy, welcoming, family-friendly spot tucked away in South Melbourne. With 30 independent taps pouring a rotating selection of house brews and guest beers, there's something to suit every taste—whether you're a seasoned beer nerd or just starting to explore. The team is always up for a chat and ready to pour you a pint, keeping the community spirit alive and well.