The closure of Black Hops Brewing’s East Brisbane brewery and taproom was a blow to local beer lovers, but a pair of suds-savvy individuals are looking to quickly fill the gap. Daniel Venema and Phil Sharp of Salisbury’s Hiker Brewing Co. have taken over the site, with plans to reopen the venue as its own satellite microbrewery and taproom in early-to-mid July. With existing fixtures such as the cold room, tap system and furniture already in place, the crew are able to plug and play, installing a small pilot brewing system to concoct small batches of experimental beers while Hiker’s core range – including its Toohey Forest lager, Bushwalker pale ale, Wee Little! light Scottish ale and Hira Haze hazy IPA – will be brewed at the Salisbury. Read more about the news here.