Well that idea will soon become a reality, with Ballarat’s first brewery and bar to hit the CBD later this year.

In what will be a new concept for the city, a microbrewery to be opened in the heart of the city will double as a bar and restaurant, adjoined to an existing pub.

Works are already well underway on construction of the Rebellion Brewery, to be located next to the Bridge Hotel on Mair Street.

It is hoped that beer will start to be brewed at the new location in September, before the bar opens in November.

Rebellion Brewery business owner John O’Brien said he had always wished to develop such a venue in Ballarat, but had never found a suitable location.

His brewery has operated in Creswick Road since 2007, brewing four gluten-free O’Brien’s beers, as well as The Rat Bitter Ale.

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However a non-central and relatively hidden location meant the bar option would not have been viable.

Now he believes he has found the perfect spot to develop the brewery.

“When we first opened in 2007 we always wanted to have a bar at the brewery. We just struggle to find a space to do it,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Ballarat has a good history of brewing and we always thought this concept would really work.”

The brewery is currently being built on the vacant parcel of land next to the Bridge Hotel.

It is planned that eventually a wall of the hotel will be knocked down and opened up to the brewery, combining the two venues.

Mr O’Brien said patrons would be able to dabble in a range of specialised craft beers and wines, while watching the brewing process at the same time.

He said it would not function as a nightspot as such, instead focusing on providing tourism to the city and providing Ballarat people with a chance to taste craft beers.

The Bridge Hotel will remain open throughout construction, but will operate under restricted hours.

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