Thirsty for craft beer, three friends hatched a plan to fill an untapped market and opened Campbell River’s first craft brewery.
Walk through the doors of Beach Fire Brewing and Nosh House and it’s obvious that this establishment is more than a place where beer is made. Here, people gather to mix and mingle over great beer and an eclectic, ever-changing selection of food.
From the beer and the menu to the handcrafted furniture and local artwork to the brewing equipment and the friendly staff, Beach Fire Brewing is the outcome of three determined and enthusiastic partners: Darrin Finnerty, Matthew Fox and Laura Gosnell. With help from hardworking volunteers (dads played a huge role), labour from local trades, and the support and advice from industry colleagues, they were focused on engagement, service, and really good beer from the start.
Mentored primarily by Cumberland Brewing and Gladstone Brewing in the Comox Valley nearby, Beach Fire didn’t leave any stones unturned when it came to planning its space.
Grab a bar stool or a bench at one of the harvest tables, and prepare to stay awhile. Open since November 2016, Beach Fire Brewing is already hopping. Witness to a continuously crowded house one Saturday afternoon, there is no evidence that things will slow down.
Six days a week, Beach Fire offers full draught service with the option of pints or sleeves. Flights get you a taste of each beer, or a chance to sample and swap your favourite with a friend. When you’re on the run, one-litre and two-litre growlers are available for purchase and fill. They welcome jugs from other breweries.
Of course, it’s all about the beer!
The starting line-up includes an amber, a blonde, a pale, and a stout. There is something for everyone whether you’re a beer connoisseur or someone who appreciates craft beer but doesn’t know much—like me.
The Beach Blonde Ale is delicious, light, and flavourful. It has a hoppy bite to balance the sweetness, and is sure to please. The Ember Red is malty and smooth. It has ability to warm your belly and pairs well with a variety of tapas. The High Tide Pale Ale is an excellent spin on the typical West Coast Pale. It has a nicely tamed bitterness and the inviting aroma and flavour of citrus. The Wheelbender Stout is extraordinary. This version of a classic Irish Stout is light bodied and incredibly easy to drink. In fact, half a growler disappeared while typing this up.
It’s good to know that kids are more than welcome to tag along. You can also enjoy a guided tour of the facilities.
Beach Fire is committed to providing people with quality crafted beer and a favourable, friendly gathering space in which to enjoy it.
The brewery has no plans to distribute, intent on being an integral part of its neighbourhood. Beach Fire Brewing and Nosh House is a unique place to sit, sip and nibble while pondering the world—or simply enjoying the company of friends. It’s definitely a place you will find hard to leave, but since every good thing must come to an end, be sure to grab a growler on your way out.
