Author: Jacqui Sacco

At Co-Conspirators Brewing Company, we’re passionate about beer—but we’re equally obsessed with dogs. Our dog-friendly pub in Brunswick has always welcomed four-legged friends with open arms, water bowls, free dog biscuits, and even barkday parties. And now, we’re levelling up the doggy good times with something new…

Say hello to “Good Dogs at the Pub”—a hands-on dog behaviour workshop held right here at the brewpub, in partnership with professional trainer Shannon from The Good Dog Project.

📅 Secure your tickets on Eventbrite here
📽️ Watch the reel on Instagram

What Is “Good Dogs at the Pub”?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: a 1.5-hour real-world dog training workshop, hosted at our dog-friendly Brunswick brewpub.

This isn’t your typical obedience class in a hall. It’s about giving dogs and their humans the tools to navigate high-distraction environments like pubs and beer gardens—calmly, confidently, and with good manners.

What You’ll Learn

Led by Shannon, the founder of The Good Dog Project, the workshop covers:

• How to settle your dog in a busy public space
• Responding to distractions like other dogs, food, and strangers
• Positive reinforcement and reading canine body language
• What “good behaviour” actually means in a social setting
• Tactics to reduce anxiety and increase calm focus

All while enjoying a beer with your mates (and your mutt) in our relaxed, supportive brewpub environment.

What’s Included?

For $45, your ticket includes:

• ✅ 1.5-hour dog behaviour session
• 🍺 One complimentary Co-Conspirators schooner
• 🦴 A bag of house-made spent grain dog biscuits
• 📘 Printed takeaway training notes

And yes—humans without dogs are welcome too! Whether you’re planning for a future pup, fostering, or just keen to learn, we’d love to have you.

Why This Matters

We all love the idea of bringing our dogs to the pub. But sometimes, the experience can be… a little chaotic. Think barking at strangers, lunging at chips, tangled leads, or a panicked pup trying to hide under a table.

That’s where this workshop comes in. We’re creating a positive, guided environment to help dogs learn and practice behaviours in the same setting they’ll return to as regulars.

It’s part of our broader mission to not just be dog friendly, but dog focused.

A Brewpub Built for Dogs

We’ve put a lot of thought into how to make Co-Conspirators the most welcoming place in Melbourne for your pup.

🐾 Free dog biscuits at the bar, baked locally using our spent grain
🐾 Water bowls on request
🐾 Climate-controlled comfort: heaters in winter, fans in summer
🐾 Dog birthday parties hosted on-site (yes, they’re a thing!)
🐾 A dedicated dog-friendly venue listing with all the details

Meet the Trainer

Shannon from The Good Dog Project is a force-free dog behaviourist with years of experience. Her sessions are compassionate, practical, and based on the latest in canine science—no outdated dominance theory here.

She specialises in training dogs in real environments so they don’t just behave well in class—they behave well in life. Her calm, friendly style puts dogs and humans at ease, and she’s passionate about helping owners build stronger bonds with their pups.

Is It Right for Your Dog?

The short answer? Yes—probably!

This session is suitable for:

• ✅ Confident dogs who need a little polish
• ✅ Nervous dogs that need exposure
• ✅ Puppies who are just learning
• ✅ Rescue dogs adjusting to public life
• ✅ Owners who want to improve communication

Dogs must be vaccinated, socialised, and able to share space with other dogs. If your pup is reactive or unsure, a quick pre-workshop phone consult with Shannon can help assess the fit.

Behind the Biscuits: Spent Grain Love

At Co-Conspirators, we’ve found a way to turn our beer waste into dog biscuits. Yep—our house-made biscuits are crafted from the spent grain left over after brewing.

They’re baked by our friends and local dog lovers Erica and Cam, and handed out free at the bar every day. Your pup will get a sample pack during the workshop, but don’t be surprised if they demand you bring them back for more.

Read more about our biscuit program and dog-friendly ethos in our blog post Beer for You, Biscuits for Them.

FAQs

Q: What if it rains?
A: No worries—we’re under cover! The session takes place in our heated, dog-friendly beer garden.

Q: Can I bring more than one dog?
A: We recommend one dog per handler to ensure focus and safety.

Q: Is it suitable for young puppies?
A: Absolutely—but please ensure they’ve had their second vaccinations and reach out if you’re unsure.

Q: I’ve got a reactive dog—can we join?
A: Possibly. Just message us or Shannon via The Good Dog Project for a quick chat before booking.

Come See the Good Dogs in Action

Curious what it looks like? Check out our latest Instagram Reel here and see the pups learning, wagging and chilling out at the bar like pros.

We’ll be running these sessions regularly, so if you can’t make this one, follow us on Instagram or join our mailing list for future dates.

Book Now – Limited Spots

Whether you’re trying to raise a calm café companion or just want an excuse for a beer and some enrichment, this is the perfect outing for Melbourne dog lovers.

📅 Book your tickets here

Good Dogs at the Pub
📍 Co-Conspirators Brewing Co, 377 Victoria Street, Brunswick
🕒 1.5 hour training session + schooner + treats
🐶 For good dogs, better owners, and the best beer garden vibes in Melbourne.

Let’s raise a glass to well-behaved dogs and delicious beer. See you at the pub.

On Saturday, 12th July, Co-Conspirators Brewpub in Brunswick transformed into a winter haven of deep flavours and warm connections for our annual barrel-aged beer festival—Famiglia Affairs 2025. Thank you to everyone who came down to share a beer, a story, and a moment with us. The event was a celebration of the relationships that shape our brewery and the beer styles that reward patience, creativity, and collaboration.

A Barrel-Aged Taplist to Remember

This year’s event featured a carefully curated taplist of 17 beers from some of our favourite local breweries, each one showcasing the depth and diversity of barrel-aged, dark, and winter-friendly styles. We poured our own The Don—a whisky barrel-aged imperial stout (11.5%)—alongside beers from legends like Hop Nation, Blackmans, Sobremesa, Tallboy & Moose, The Mill Brewery, Two Rupees, Sailors Grave, and King River Brewing. Standouts included Hop Nation’s Kalash (bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout, 10.4%), Sobremesa’s Bourgogne de Kensington ’24 (barrel fermented Flanders red ale, 6.1%), and Blackmans’ indulgent Peanut Butter Cup and Black Forest pastry stouts (both 7.0%).

Each beer on the list represented the essence of Famiglia Affairs: carefully crafted, built on trust, and made to be shared. Whether you leaned toward the smoky, the fruity, or the funky, there was something to savour on every tap.

The Brewpub Was Buzzing

There’s nothing quite like sipping bold beers surrounded by great people. From midday to sundown, our Brunswick brewpub was alive with music, conversation, and the aroma of oak-aged pours. Tables filled with families, mates, and first-time visitors, many enjoying curated tasting paddles and our limited-edition 2025 Famiglia Affairs glassware. It was a true community vibe—exactly what we dreamed of when we launched this event.

A big shoutout to Dayvid from The Coolroom Podcast, who joined us on the day and recorded a special episode featuring chats with our very own Deon and Nigel. Keep an eye (and ear) out for the upcoming release, diving into all things Famiglia Affairs, barrels, and behind-the-scenes tales.

Famiglia Affairs is more than a beer showcase—it’s a tribute to the community behind the craft. We conspire with others to make great beer, and every brewery involved in this year’s event is part of our chosen family.

The Wingers Club kept bellies full with their hearty winter menu, serving up fried chicken, loaded fries, and comfort food that stood up to even the boldest stouts. Kids played happily in the family area, and our regular four-legged friends soaked up the sunshine out front. Don’t forget—we’re a dog-friendly venue all year round. Bring your pup next time! Learn more about our dog-friendly brewpub in Melbourne here.

Shoutout to Our Brewing Famiglia

Massive thanks to our collaborating breweries who brought their A-game—and their best barrels—to the party. This event exists because of the relationships we’ve built across the industry. From Merri Mashers’ collab with Tallboy & Moose (Cut the Chatter, Red Rye IPA, 6.4%) to The Mill’s Tasty Iced Coffee Stout (5.8%) and Two Rupees’ Best Bitter ESB (4.5%), the lineup celebrated not just flavour, but friendship.

Famiglia Affairs is more than a beer showcase—it’s a tribute to the community behind the craft. We conspire with others to make great beer, and every brewery involved in this year’s event is part of our chosen family.

Couldn’t Make It?

We’ve got you covered. You can still enjoy the heart of the event at home—head to our online store and get The Don delivered straight to your door, or treat yourself (or a friend) to a Famiglia Affairs Mixed Pack, featuring a curated selection of our barrel-aged releases. Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with mates, there’s still time to be part of the famiglia

Until Next Time

Famiglia Affairs is one of our favourite days of the year—and 2025 proved why. It’s about more than just beer. It’s about the people who make it, pour it, drink it, and love it. It’s about slowing down, appreciating the craft, and raising a glass with your community.

Huge thanks to Liquex Logistics for getting our barrels and kegs where they needed to be—on time and in perfect condition. Your support behind the scenes is what keeps events like this rolling smoothly.

We’re already scheming for 2026. Until then, thank you for being part of our brewpub family. You’ll find us here in Brunswick, pouring great beer, sharing stories, and always ready to welcome new co-conspirators.

At Co-Conspirators Brewing Co., we love great beer, good people, and dogs—especially dogs. As one of Brunswick’s most dog-friendly pubs, we go beyond just welcoming four-legged guests—we treat them like family. And while we haven’t quite perfected a dog beer just yet, we’ve got the next best thing: free dog biscuits made with spent grain from our brewery.

Want the full low-down on why we’re one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Melbourne?

Find out here

A Warm Welcome for Every Wagging Tail

Whether you’re stopping in for a post-park pint or settling in for a long Sunday session, dogs are welcome across the entire venue—inside and out. We’ve made sure our brewpub is a safe, relaxed, and comfortable place for your pooch to chill while you enjoy a cold one. There are water bowls on hand (just ask our friendly bar crew), shady spots in summer, warm corners in winter, and a community of dog lovers who’ll probably ask for a pat.

But what really sets us apart? Treats at the bar made with our own brewing ingredients.

Spent Grain Dog Biscuits – A Co-Conspirators Special

When we say nothing goes to waste around here, we mean it. After each brew day, we’re left with spent grain—the leftover malted barley that’s steeped in hot water to create the base for beer. It’s full of fibre and protein, and while it’s no longer useful for brewing, it still has plenty of nutritional goodness left.

Enter: Erica and Cam—two incredible locals, regulars at the brewpub, and devoted dog lovers. With a passion for sustainability and pups, they took our spent grain and started baking delicious dog biscuits. The result? Crunchy, grain-packed treats that dogs absolutely love. And the best part? They’re totally free at the bar.

What’s in the Biscuits?

These biscuits are:

• Made using fresh spent grain from our brews (typically barley and oats)
• Baked in small batches with dog-safe, wholesome ingredients
• Free from hops, alcohol, and additives, which can be harmful to dogs
• Taste-tested and approved by some of our most loyal canine regulars (including Bingo, Rupert, Basil, and Indie)

If your pup hasn’t tried them yet, swing by the bar and grab a few. They’re a hit with dogs of all sizes—from tiny terriers to Great Danes.

Make Them at Home: Spent Grain Dog Biscuit Recipe

Want to make your own batch of these brewery treats? Here’s the simple, dog-friendly recipe that Erica and Cam use to turn our grain into tail-wagging goodness.

Spent Grain Dog Biscuits (DIY Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups spent grain (wet, straight from the brew day)
• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C.
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly until a thick dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes using cookie cutters or slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Place biscuits on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
5. Bake for 30–40 minutes, then reduce heat to 100°C and bake for another 1–2 hours until fully dried and crunchy.
6. Cool completely before serving to your dog.
7. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—or freeze for longer shelf life.

Note: Do not use spent grain that has been sitting for more than 24 hours, and always ensure your peanut butter is free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Beer for You, Treats for Them

We haven’t quite perfected a dog beer (yet), but we’ve got a few top-shelf treats in store for your four-legged mate:

• Water bowls available—just ask our staff and we’ll sort your pup out.
• FREE dog biscuits at the bar, made using spent grain from our beer! Crafted with love by our amazing locals and dog lovers, Erica and Cam.
• Heaters in winter and fans in summer, so your dog stays comfy no matter the weather.

Got a birthday pup? Let us know! We’ve hosted more than one “barkday” bash in the beer garden and we’re always happy to help celebrate with treats, pats, and maybe even a party hat.

Visit Us

Whether it’s your dog’s first pub visit or they’re a seasoned taproom trotter, we’d love to see you both at Co-Conspirators. We’re walking distance from Gilpin Park and Clifton Park, and just a short detour off the Merri Creek Trail—making us the ideal stop after a stroll or a play at the dog park.

Bring your dog, grab a pint, and don’t forget to ask for a biscuit at the bar. Your pup will thank you.

Co-Conspirators Brewing Co.
📍 377 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056
🐾 Dogs welcome inside and out
🍺 Craft beer, great food, and free dog biscuits
🕐 Open Wednesday to Sunday

Come for the beer, stay for the biscuits. See you soon! 🐶🍻

Think you’ve got what it takes to tip like a pro? Join our 2025 Footy Tipping Competition and be in the running for epic prizes – plus, enjoy a FREE pint every week once you submit your tips! 🍺

💰 $15 Entry Fee
🏆 Prizes:
🥇 1st Prize – $150 Brewpub Voucher + Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting for 2
🥈 2nd Prize – $75 Brewpub Voucher
🥉 3rd Prize – $50 Brewpub Voucher
🎯 Perfect Round Bonus: Win weekly prizes – gift vouchers, takeaway beers & merch!

📍 Sign up at the brewpub or online now:
🔗 Register here → https://forms.office.com/r/cCg8aUmJc7

Alf’s Pizza, renowned for its mouthwatering and innovative pizzas, is thrilled to announce its exciting partnership with Co-Conspirators Brewpub, a local independent brewery known for its exceptional beer offerings. This collaboration promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey of flavour and craftsmanship.

“We’ve always believed that great beer deserves great food, and this partnership with Alf’s Pizza allows us to bring that belief to life,” said Jacquiline Sacco, Co-Director of Co-Conspirators Brewing Co. “Our collaboration will showcase the versatility of independent beer when paired with expertly crafted pizzas, we are excited to bring the authentic Italian flavours to Brunswick and to our patrons.”

The Alf’s Pizza and Co-Conspirators collaboration will officially kick off this weekend and will close on Christmas Eve, 24th December.

https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/event/alfs-pizza-x-co-conspirators-brewpub

“There is a movement within the beer industry to make these beers and raise awareness with what’s happening in Ukraine and this was a really good opportunity to be involved in it,” says Jacqui Sacco, director of marketing and PR at Co-Conspirators. “Being independent brewers ourselves, we are all about collaborating – that’s where our name came from.”

Sacco says that the Co-Conspirators creation – a dry-hopped take on the Kellerbier, which features a cartoon version of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on the can – reflected the company’s broader approach.

“We like to hop things pretty aggressively and we do a lot of hazy pales and IPAs,” she says. “We’ve called ours The Freedom Fighter, which we are pretty happy with.”

More Details below

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/how-drinking-beer-can-help-wartorn-ukraine-thanks-to-aussie-craft-brewers-outpouring-of-sympathy/news-story/ac1851677b2ee521a190122f3977c47d?card=small

Congratulations to our mate, Clint Weaver (aka Pocketbeagles) for winning a Global Crushie at the Craft Beer Marketing Awards for our new Usual Suspects Range!

From Beer & Brewer, ‘Announced overnight at the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, entrants from Australia won a total of 17 CBMA awards – or “Crushies” – which was the second largest return of any country behind the US.

WELL DONE CLINT!!!! AMAZING WORK

Introducing the New Merri-Bek Beer, Distillery & Wine Trial

https://lovemerri-bek.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Love-Merri-bek-Trails-Brewery-Distillery.pdf

In the Media

https://brewsnews.com.au/merri-bek-council-launches-brewery-and-music-trails/

Cheers to the Australian who has listed The Hype Man Hazy Pale as one best Australian Beers in 2022.