Vic Park bar voted best in Australia

Victoria Park bar the Dutch Trading Co has been named the best beer venue in the country, as judged by a panel of 23 industry leaders coordinated by Beer and Brewer Magazine.

The venue has gained consistent recognition in recent years, having been placed second for the award in 2017 and fifth in 2016.

Founded in 2015 by a team with over 30 years of combined hospitality and beer experience, the venue rotates through 26 taps of local, national and international beer and serves over 300 bottled varieties, which are also available for takeaway purchase.

Its name alludes to the Dutch Empire, based on the 200 years it led the world in exploration, trade, culture and art. 

Owner Joel Beresford said the award was both exciting and humbling.

“This week we are celebrating our third birthday and this honour is more than we could have expected,” he said.

“Over the past three years our team have worked incredibly hard to deliver, not only a great beer venue, but a space that can be enjoyed by everyone in the community.

“There are some excellent venues on the list and I’m proud that there are many from Western Australia.

“We have such a great beer scene in WA and the growth of not only breweries but quality venues focusing on craft beer is a testament to that.” 

Mr Beresford said that, as a publican, he thrived on educating customers with samples, and he wanted to thank his customers for their passions for well-crafted beer.

Other WA venues fared well in the rankings for best venue, with Petition placing second and Caboose bar ranking fourth. Victoria-based Cawyn Cellars ranked third while Sydney-based Bitter Phew ranked fifth. 

Panellists on the judging panel included Tim Charody (aka The Beer Pilgrim), Kirrily Waldhorn (aka The Beer Diva), Chris McNamara from the Independent Brewers Association and Neal Cameron from The Institute of Beer.