I’ve spent time in some large media companies. There was always an in-house staff canteen within the hallowed walls serving mostly hot box options and cling-wrapped sandwiches. I would not have described the food in those canteens as very good, but I admit that the option was sometimes handy when chained to the desk for a deadline. I’m sure it’s different these days. There’s probably bento boxes, chia cups and plant-based burgers in those canteens now. Unless there have been budget cuts there too…
So, what could be better than working for a company with a staff Canteen that serves great food to the staff and invites the public to share?
How about a staff canteen inside a brewery?
Welcome to the Canteen at Stone and Wood Brewery in the Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Estate. We watched with enthusiasm as the brewery took shape in 2018. It’s that grand design next to the green and gold BP Ozigo. Its arrival was partly overshadowed by the controversial roundabout sculpture – playfully referred to as the disco donga – which is now scattered across the shire as a sought after collectable decorating local homes as a twirling mobile or fence adornment.
The Canteen at Stone and Wood is brought to you by the legends behind Byron Bay’s sorely missed 100 Mile Table and now the epic Bay Grocer – Sarah Swan and Jeremy Burn. The offering at the Canteen is a short rotating menu that leans a little to dude food and just so happens to pair nicely with the brewery’s tasting paddles. Expect a menu like this.
The Korean Roll is a baguette roll filled with crunchy crumbed chicken and squeezes of kewpie mayo complemented by Korean kimchi, fresh coriander and chilli.
Right now, you should try the onion rings and always be tempted by the Fried chicken.
The Brewers board of local delights is ideal to share and features local cheese, salumi, crackers, bread, house made pickles, dips. You can’t go wrong.
Other menu offerings I have enjoyed have included this heartwarming Ribollita – a Tuscan soup filled with winter vegetables and bread, some epic Salad bowls and who can forget the Potato scallops? There’s always a vegetarian option and kids are not forgotten either.
The Canteen ‘Staff Meal’ is served Monday to Friday and watch out for Menu specials like Brisket burgers and Toasties filled with smoky chorizo and oozy mozzarella.
The Canteen at Stone and Wood is open seven days a week serving lunch from 12pm – 3pm with a bar menu after that. Stone and Wood Brewery is open Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm and on the weekend from 12pm – 6pm. You can enjoy tasting paddles of three or five beers (good for sharing unless you have ride share plans) or why not you call upon the Sun Bistro courtesy bus and take the solar train back into town.
If you want the full Stone and Wood experience, you should time your visit to join a brewery tour. You can book online here.
The Canteen at Stone and Wood brewery is a great addition to the food scene in the Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Estate. My recommendation is to book a brewery tour and follow up with a relaxed tasting paddle of some of the more unique and limited release beers (Try the Counter Culture Lovely Bubbly – a little fizz and funk in there!) and order a bite from the Canteen. It’s a great way to spend a few hours.
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