Australia’s Capital Brewing Co expands
Capital Brewing Co, based in Fyshwick in Australia, is set to open its second venue, Lager House, at the start of 2026.
The pub, which brings the founders back to their Canberra hospitality roots, will also introduce executive chef Paul Starley to the new venture..
According to the brewery, the concept behind Lager House is based on a vision that Capital Brewing Co’s managing director Laurence Kain and co-founder Tom Hertel have always hoped to have the chance to create.
The concept began when a wedding invitation was handed to them at the brewery’s Fyshwick taproom. The couple who gave it had met on a first date at Capital, returned over the years, and eventually planned their wedding at the same location.
Creating spaces
Kain said: “That was the moment we realised the taproom was much more to the community than a place to have a beer. It made us think deeply about the importance of creating spaces where people feel welcome and connected.”
Long before the brewery existed, the duo have said that hospitality has shaped who they were. Kain and Hertel first met in 2005 when working behind the bar at Trinity in Dickson while studying. They then went on to open Honkytonks in Garema Place as well as revitalised the Hippo Bar, before launching Capital Brewing Co in 2016.
Kain explained: “We are still a couple of local blokes just having a crack, operating one of Australia’s most beloved craft breweries, and now returning to our roots in Canberra hospitality.”
Partner Content
The expansion of the business will see Lager House become designed as a neighbourhood pub that feels “elevated yet easy going”. Back of house, the kitchen will work over wood fire and three 1500 litre tanks will pour fresh seasonal lagers directly from the brewery to those inside the venue or on the terrace.
LUKR Czech pour taps
Capital has additionally commissioned LUKR in the Czech Republic to hand make traditional side pour taps.
He also revealed that “the three specialty lagers on tap will be brewed on site at the Fyshwick brewery, then lagered and delivered using a custom-built trailer that can transport up to 1500 litres at a time. It will cruise around town dropping the beer off straight into the tanks, so guests are drinking the freshest lager possible”.
Chef Paul Starley will lead the kitchen. Starley is known for his work in the Snowy Mountains region and brings with him experience with fire cooking and pub food. At the heart of the kitchen a Brazilian wood fired grill built specifically for the venue will take centre stage and the menu will include coal cooked meats and seafood, vibrant vegetarian dishes and snacks designed for drinking, alongside classic pub favourites.
Kain insisted that the expansion for the brewery into this venue space is “the culmination of our experience exploring beer cultures around the world. Like our favourite pubs in Europe, it’s about creating a place for people to come together in their neighbourhood and enjoy really good quality specialty lager and really good quality food”.
Lager House has been planned to open from February 2026.
Related news
Firebrand Brewing Co partners with Arc of Attrition
