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They're the new kid on the block but they already have plenty of friends.
Supportive friends. Thirsty friends.
Friends who have helped them get established in their new neighbourhood.
And today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m., after what seems like a long wait, The Parkside Brewery will officially roll open its doors to the public, joining Yellow Dog Brewing, Moody Ales and Twin Sails Brewing on Murray Street in Port Moody — now widely known as Brewers' Row, which has already become a destination for Lower Mainland beer lovers.
The venture is a dream come true for co-owners Vern Lambourne, a Port Moody resident and former brewmaster for Granville Island Brewing for 14 years, and Sam Payne, previously the sales manager with Red Truck Beer Company for a decade.
It has been a labour of love.
Since they leased their 6,800-sq. ft. industrial space at 2731 Murray St., across from the Port Moody Station Museum, the pair, their friends and family have spent countless hours over the past year cleaning, painting, setting up the furniture, ordering glasses, growlers and kegs, having special flight "benches" made, installing tanks and taps — and even brewing beer — to get ready for the government inspections.
Last Friday, they passed the final hurdle and happily changed the paper signs on the glass doors from "Open June 8th-ish" to "Open June 8 2 p.m."
Yesterday, they held a VIP tasting to show off their latest batch: Dawn Pilsner (4.9% alcohol, a nod to the traditional German style); Dusk Pale Ale (5.3%, a "a relaxed West Coast" blend); Graffiti IPA (6.9%, with grapefruit, line pine and floral hop notes); Dim Wit; and a seasonal — the craft beers they've always wanted to build from scratch.
That was the point of becoming self-employed, Lambourne said. "It's every brewer's dream is to be able to do what you want, and we're finally doing it."
The two also knew they could make their business work, especially given the location.
Since Yellow Dog opened its doors two years ago, it was followed quickly by Moody Ales and, last year, by Twin Sails — all within easy walking distance of one another.
Parkside is right in the middle of Brewers' Row, its building painted black and lime green to give it a retro, "timeless" feel, Payne said.
Inside, the owners have kept the industrial decor, added a long bar — which also serves cider, wines and root beer (for the kids) — and a skinny table facing the front glass doors, where patrons can look across to Rocky Point Park and the inlet.
There's enough seating for 111 guests wanting to drink, eat from food trucks when they park next to the building (allowing people inside to order), play shuffleboard and video games, and, of course, socialize.
At the back, they've included a large graffiti image — also in their signature colours — of "Parkside" and, outside the building, they're having a mural of a map painted for the West Coast Express (and soon, Evergreen Line) passengers to welcome them in after their trip.
At the front of the building, they've got areas for on-leash dogs and bike parking, plus a parking lot with 15 spots.
And while Parkside is a business, Payne said they look forward to working with their neighbouring competitors to promote Brewers' Row.
Each month, they meet with representatives from Yellow Dog, Moody and Twin Sails to brainstorm about business, tourism (such as being part of the BC Ale Trail), how to share costs and upcoming collaborations.
"But, mostly, we talk about how we can support each other," Payne said, adding, "What we really want is to bring the community together. We really believe we have made the right decision."
Added Lambourne, "People are really excited for us. They're happy to see two guys do what they want to do."
Adam Crandall, co-founder of Moody Ales, which currently has a seating capacity of 75 in its lounge plus more in its picnic area, said he is eager to have Parkside open in the neighbourhood.
"It has been getting busier and busier for all of us and, with Parkside opening, it's really going to cement Port Moody's Brewers' Row as a craft beer destination in the Lower Mainland."
jwarren@tricitynews.com
@jwarrenTC
