Bad Shepherd Brewing Co. - Cheltenham

This unassuming place is down the road from SouthlandNot much else around so you might pass by and not notice it. read more This unassuming place is down the road from SouthlandNot much else around so you might pass by and not notice it.

Nice to see more brew pubs popping up across Melbourne Not the greatest location, but worth the trip for the excellent, excellent beers. read more Nice to see more brew pubs popping up across Melbourne Not the greatest location, but worth the trip for the excellent, excellent beers.

After a bit of a battle to find parking, we found the brewery restaurant was very hospitable and welcoming. The staff friendly and engaging and there was a nice... read more After a bit of a battle to find parking, we found the brewery restaurant was very hospitable and welcoming. The staff friendly and engaging and there was a nice relaxed hum in the dining area. Our party of 40 guests were able to enjoy conversation over some of the brews. The Baltic was the stand out for me and everyone enjoyed the different flavours. The Hazelnut finish was also very popular. The food was not to my taste and because we had enjoyed a big breakfast, the get together was at 2pm, I was not hungry. The meals that I saw come out of the kitchen, did not tempt me to return there for a meal, but for a beer and chat, spot on.

I highly recommend trying the "Peanut Butter Porter" at this restaurant - it is exceptional. Additionally, any of their BBQ dishes are also worth trying. read more I highly recommend trying the "Peanut Butter Porter" at this restaurant - it is exceptional. Additionally, any of their BBQ dishes are also worth trying.

The booking: You can book through open table but be quick on a Saturday. It gets booked out. We called as there were no spots. The lady on the phone was wonderf... read more The booking: You can book through open table but be quick on a Saturday. It gets booked out. We called as there were no spots. The lady on the phone was wonderful and polite and managed to find us a high table and bar stools. She called back (as promised) later to let us know we could come at an earlier time. Upon entry: We were seen to and seated immediately and were instructed to order and pay at the bar when ready (table service when served the food). The person taking my order was polite and relatable. He mentioned the popularity of the vegan items, even amongst omnivore folk. Order and payment taken (no surcharge). Wines: Checkerboard Shiraz (2017) $9 If you’re going to have a wine instead of a beer, get this one. Flavours of blackberry, warm spices with hints of dark chocolate. Persistent yet subtle tannins to finish. Checkerboard Sauvignon Blanc (2017) $9 Fruity nose, overripe melon, and oak. Clean acidity palate with lots of toasted oak. Have tasted better. Food: South Western Southern fried Vegan Chicken burger $17 A bit on the small side, but lots of flavour. Crunchy pattie, fresh bun, vegan sauce and a little green. This was a good burger and I would have it again. Vegan Fries $5 Nicely made thin cut fries (cooked in a separate area to the meat dishes. Vegan Slaw $4 Fresh, tangy, and crisp salad slaw. No creamy dressing, but there was a lemon based dressing which made this feel and taste quite healthy. Cobb Salad with pulled chicken $18 Nicely done Blue cheese was a nice touch but too much was over the blue cheese pretty quickly. Serving plates: A bit disappointed much of the food was served in baskets difficult to pick up the burger. Perhaps a plate or board would have been easier. Toilets: Clean. Shared unisex space for washing up. Upon Exit: We were farewelled by two staff upon exit.