When Jimmy Young split off from Aether Brewing to pursue new projects, getting back to a grassroots community-oriented hospitality was at the top of his to-do list. While Dave Ward moved Aether’s production base to Northgate, Jimmy chose to retain the brand’s Milton birthplace on Railway Terrace, electing to transform the venue into a gathering point for a broader local demographic. The idea of creating a common ground for folks with varying tastes and interests resonated, and soon Jimmy was shifting gears, creating new branding and spearheading renovations for Milton Common – a bar, eatery, microbrewery, gallery and function space all rolled into one. The ground level remains the public bar, with Aether’s brewing apparatus standing proud opposite the bar. Jimmy has revitalised the capabilities of Milton Common’s upstairs portion to host a variety of private functions, including installing new cushy banquettes and gallery hangers in the rear room for frequent art exhibitions. Milton Common will showcase a new artist monthly, holding exhibition launches and taking no commission from sales. Both of the upstairs areas can host private functions with a capacity of 90 patrons per space, with a new function menu set to debut shortly.
When it comes to broadening Milton Common’s community appeal, Jimmy and co. are walking the walk – expanding and overhauling the food and beverage offering to serve something for everyone, transitioning into something more widely approachable than the froth-focused gastropub it was before. Beer lovers needn’t panic – the bar is still amply stocked with a huge array of craft brews (a bottle-shop license affords drinkers the ability to purchase mix-and-match packs over the bar), and today officially marks the recommencement of on-site brewing on the gleaming 3000-litre capacity system. Milton Common will be brewing a small collection of house beers under the name Common Ground Brewing, producing a pilsner, IPA and mid-strength beer (the latter smartly named Common Sense) that will be available off tap. The bar will also be teaming up with other breweries on various collaborative and experimental beers available exclusively at Milton Common. Beyond beer, the drinks menu has expanded to include a choice selection of vino from small-batch Australian winemakers, an updated range of craft Australian spirits and a brand-new cocktail list to boot. The food menu is also set for a sprucing – while you can still savour classic pizzas and burgers, a brand-new menu will debut next month offering a mix of small and large plates with a tantalising Asian influence.
Milton Common is open to the public, but will be celebrating its offical launch and new menu in mid-February! Head to the Stumble Guide for more details.
