Major changes brewing at Hop Nation

Footscray beer emporium Hop Nation Taproom will unveil a new look at the end of next month.

Last drinks at the original taproom will be poured tomorrow before Hop Nation shuts up shop after eight years - although takeaways will be available - before unveiling a revamped space on Thursday, September 28.

Hop Nation partnered with the hospitality interior design veterans at Studio Y to bring its vision of a Brooklyn warehouse-meets-Melbourne brewery to life.

The previous layout of the taproom will be completely transformed, creating an expansive, open-plan brewhouse.

There will be 17 brews on tap, featuring the full Hop Nation core range, Ray Hard seltzers – including a brand-new limited-release Pink Grapefruit and Lime Seltzer - and seasonal limited-edition brews, including a Hazy Mid, Oat Cream IPA, Grapefruit West Coast IPA and Guava, Dragonfruit and Toasted Coconut Sour.

The team will also be pouring a new release Footscray Draft to celebrate the re-opening.

The new-look taproom will feature a new purpose-built kitchen, where ex-Figlia Pizzeria chef Alex Addams Williams will be heading up Good Pizza. The pizzeria will focus on long-ferment dough, in both thin, and thick, crispy pan varieties.

Alongside food and drinks, the freshly renovated taproom will be hosting events, including an AFL Grand Final party on Saturday, September 30.

There will be Happy Hours on Thursday and Friday from 3-6pm, and a nod to Oktoberfest with three European-style beers on offer – a Rattenhund Classic Pilsner and two limited releases: a Kellerbier and a Czech Pilsner.

Hop Nation was started by former winemakers Duncan Gibson and Sam Hambour in 2015. Their small-batch beers are made using natural ingredients with no fining or pasteurisation and minimal filtration.

Hop Nation will operate Thursday-Sunday 3pm-9:30pm. See hopnation.com.au

Talk about a dream: Brewing up a storm in Orange

Orange in Central Western NSW is known as the home of several of Australia's best cool-climate wine producers.

But when you've had your full of wine you can also visit a new taproom and bar with 14 different brews on offer.

Badlands Brewery was established in 2010 by long-time home-brewer, Jon Shiner and has now opened a new spot to enjoy beers with food in their own location in the centre of town.

All Badlands Brewery’s core beers are made only with malted wheat and barley, water, yeast and hops and are unfiltered and free of preservatives and additives.

Badlands Brewery & Taproom has 14 taps as well as local wines, tasting paddles, growler fills, brewery tours, merchandise, food trucks and live music, Destination NSW reports.

The 45-minute tours offer a behind the scenes look at the brewing process and the price includes two complimentary beers.

"We prefer to concentrate on the beer so have partnered with some amazing local and regional food producers," says Shiner.

"Hot food is available every evening and all day at weekends and we serve delicious Indian food courtesy of our neighbourhood Indian restaurant The Upperhouse.

"Vishal and team have created a custom beer-matched menu just for us. Enjoy items such as chicken naan tacos, chilli paneer and masala prawns."

Badlands is open Wednesday to Sunday. For more details see www.badlandsbrewery.com.au/taproom