Pumpyard Bar & Brewery - Booval

I have long held that Ipswich is the perfect dormitory suburb for Brisbane , with well priced housing, good amenities, and excellent railway connection to the "big smoke".The only thing lacking has been nice places for recreation. This is changing, and with the opening of the complex consisting of and supporting the Pumpyard, the city has taken a major step forward.Four of us went there for Sunday lunch, as a late celebration of a birthday. It was a perfect winter's day, just right for al fresco eating, and I should add, drinking. Looking for parking, we circled the complex, an historic technical college, carefully restored and updated, and we actually missed the entrance to the off street parking, and entered through the adjacent war memorial park, and Dovetails Restaurant, the fine dining room which is part of the group. We passed the chalkboard advertising a barramundi meal for $26.We continued over to the Pumpyard, an atmospheric rebuild of the very area in which I had taught pottery in the late 60s. Discretely lit, with oversize armchairs, and backed by a row of gleaming stainless steel tanks, it is the perfect place to enjoy a beer or two.But I was out voted by the ladies and we returned to Dovetails for the barra, although I registered my disappointment by opting for the $22 Waygu steak sandwich; not much of a protest really. It was delicious, as my friends also found the fish to be, and with the chips (which were a bit soft for my taste) the meals were quite satisfying. The beers were $8or $9 a schooner, which is quite good for craft beer. I had a Coalminer's Stout and brother Paul had a 2.6% Ipswich Challenger, and we traded tastes. We backed up with a Slip n Slide, which I think emerged as our favourite beer of the day.Finally, we went back to the bar for a cleansing ale, and found that there was a singing guitarist making pleasant and not overpowering music to the attached al fresco tables. Being me, I checked out the passing pizzas and burgers, and I think I'll have to go back and try them sometime soon.I've just gone back up and added the last star to my rating. This place is at least equal to any similar ventures anywhere. It's a brave move for Ipswich, and it deserves to prosper, and to encourage further efforts for the civilized enjoyment for the people of Ipswich.In short, this place should become an institution for the second time. All power to those involved.

The beer was delicious, the environment lively. I joined a school P&F meeting after a bit and food was delivered promptly.

Limited menu, what was there was nice. Staff were courteous. Nothing to rave over but if you like 'craft' beers you would enjoy this place.

Had sweat potato and mushroom pizza for dinner - superb. Fellow travel companions had chicken pizza, salt and pepper squid, flank steak fajitas and a variety of the in house beers and no complaints. Best food of the trip had by all.

Yet again, the food was outstanding and very generous, this time we skipped the onion rings and entree due to the very large portions and opted for the loaded fries, chicken wings (which are amazing) and loaded fries. Ribs slow cooked and great flavour, fries very generous plenty of topping and impossible to finish and as always the best wing in Ipswich. Keep up the great work.