How it all came to be

Our History

Matso’s has always been a little different, but we’re proud of that

Sometimes our remoteness has forced our hand, other times the heat has driven us to think differently about flavour and refreshment.

How it all began

Starting life as Australia’s most remote brewery at our spiritual home in Broome WA, Matso’s is now enjoyed at pubs, bars and backyards right across the country. In 2023, we decided to bring the complete Matso’s experience to the other side of the country, opening Matso’s Sunshine Coast QLD. Inspired by our original, our second home taps into the heritage of the site while bringing the unique Matso’s feel to Queensland.

Looking back, it all started in 2000, when Martin and Kim Peirson-Jones took over a Broome micro-brewery that also doubled as a café and art gallery. In 2004, the Broome Brewery underwent an upgrade to a full mash system to increase production and meet growing demand. With Martin’s son PJ (Martin Jnr) also in the business, the small family-owned café brewery quickly became famous for its beer. With demand continuing to grow, the family were kept busy hand-bottling beers and sending them to the homes of holidaymakers who couldn’t get enough of Matso’s.

Thankfully, the days of hand bottling are over, and the Matso’s range is now available in bottleshops and venues in all corners of the country. While Matso’s initially became famous for producing Australia’s first-ever alcoholic ginger beer, its range has grown over the years to include exciting new drinks and flavours. Still an Australian-owned business, three generations of family still live in Broome and are often seen at Matso’s after a hard day at work.

A number of cold Matso's ginger beers sat in an eski filled with ice.

As one of Broome’s most famous attractions, the brewery is known for its laid-back atmosphere, food, and beer. Live music in the courtyard can be heard on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons with a variety of touring artists performing alongside great local talent. The Matso’s Broome menu features our beers throughout, whether as a food match or infused in the dish, with our chefs creating the perfect balance of flavours. The Matso’s Broome Curry Hut is open seven days a week during the dry season. It offers authentic Indian cuisine, sometimes cooked with Matso’s beers (dare to try one with the Chilli Beer!)

Matso’s Sunshine Coast opened in late 2023, inspired by our original home in Broome. Breathing new life into “Joe’s Waterhole”, the classic Queensland pub’s renovation focussed on retaining its heritage while showcasing what Matso’s is all about. With a new brew kit installed, the entire range of Matso’s beers are brewed fresh on-site. From our originals, including Matso’s Ginger Beer and Matso’s Mango Beer, to limited-release and seasonal brews, you’ll always find something you love on tap. With a menu inspired by local ingredients, and a relaxed setting including the front bar, main bar, restaurant, beer garden and pool room, Matso’s Sunshine Coast is truly a place for everyone. From friends and family, to locals and tourists, our Queensland home is the perfect place to park up for a bite and drink, no matter the occasion.

Two male friends drinking a cold Matso's ginger beer in the sun.

Matso's Broome and Sunshine Coast logo

 

Our name and logo represent the melting pot of cultures of Broome, which is a microcosm of a modern, inclusive Australia.

The kanji symbol in the Matso’s logo is a well-known Japanese symbol that has several meanings:

  • To Store – for us, this represents the original building “Matsumoto’s General Store” (later shortened to Matso’s Store) that is now our original brewery in Broome.
  • To Live – In Matso’s terms, this represents the spirit of the freedom and living life to the fullest!
  • Raw – as in raw and natural ingredients in our flavourful drinks!

A trip down memory lane

Matso’s in a nutshell

History highlights

1890’S

Sunshine Coast

John Gallagher obtained the first-ever hotel license for the Railway Hotel at Main Camp, a temporary residence for North Coast Railway workers. This Hotel’s history is tied to ‘grog’ sales at E.H. Arundell’s Eerwah store before it was licensed. Carpenter William Burrell built a new hotel on his property in Eumundi, eventually selling it to Arundell. In 1891, the Railway Hotel license moved to Eumundi, making Arundell the town’s owner as Eumundi became the railhead for Kenilworth, Doonan, and the region. J. Gallagher remained licensee until July 29, 1891, when Sidney Smith, an Arundell relative, took over.

19O0’S

Sunshine Coast

During this time, the Railway Hotel underwent a makeover, adopting the name Eumundi Hotel. However, the first few years of this decade were quite tough for the community due to the worst drought in recent memory. The hotel changed hands a few times and even decided to switch things up by becoming the Commercial Hotel. These changes reflect the ever-evolving and resilient spirit of the Eumundi community.

1910’S

BROOME

Matso’s Store began its journey as the Union Bank of Australia Ltd in 1910, nestled in the charming Sheba Lane along Kennedys Hill. Serving as Broome’s very first bank, it played a vital role in the town’s financial life for over four delightful decades.

SUNSHINE COAST

In sunny Sunshine Coast, George Carter added an exciting twist to the Commerical Hotel by adding a second story, completing the transformation in 1913.

1920’S

Sunshine Coast

Early on the morning of July 16 1924, a fire started in the bulk store owned by E.H Arundell and four Eumundi businesses were destroyed. Although efforts were made to save the Commercial Hotel, it was significantly damaged and later demolished. A temporary license was granted for makeshift premises on the opposite side of the street. A new Pub was built almost immediately after the rubble was cleared. The pub was rebuilt and started trading in 1926.

1940’s

Broome

In 1942, the Union Bank branch faced financial difficulties due to industry restructuring and the lingering effects of the Depression. The rise of plastics also impacted the pearling industry. Despite ranking ninth nationally, the Union Bank couldn’t meet expectations, leading to a merger with the ANZ group.

In the late 1940s, an unfortunate fire, suspected to be arson, ravaged Sheba Lane, causing destruction due to the close proximity of buildings and limited services. Surprisingly, Matso’s Store emerged unscathed, continuing its operations. Eventually, the bank relocated to a new facility on Carnarvon Street as Sheba Lane underwent redevelopment.

1950’s

Broome

Matso’s Store embarked on a journey when it was acquired by Streeter and Male, who relocated it to the charming corner of Anne and Walcott Streets. This new location earned it the affectionate title “Number 2 Store,” a name fondly remembered by many locals. When the store no longer suited Streeter and Male’s needs, the Matsumoto family stepped in, converting it into a general store and restoring the cherished name Matso’s Store. This iconic establishment eventually found its current home on Hamersley Street after being purchased by Lord McAlpine, where it stands proudly today.

196o’s

Sunshine Coast

In a memorable trade-off in 1962, Joe Whiting, a jovial cane farmer, exchanged his beloved cane farm for the Commercial Hotel. Joe was renowned for his infectious sense of humour, and his establishment became a hub of laughter and good times. His witty motto, “Free Beer Tomorrow,” became a legendary fixture, adding to the hotel’s charm and making it a favourite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

198o’s

Sunshine Coast

In 1981, following a tragic accident with Joe, his wife Lucy and son Ray assumed the helm of the Hotel. The year 1982 marked significant renovations, with an expansion of the bottle shop, a revamped interior bar and lounge, the addition of a restaurant, and an extended kitchen. The hotel’s evolution continued in 1987 when it officially adopted the name “Joe’s Waterhole,” solidifying its place as a cherished establishment.

199o’s

Broome

In 1997, it evolved into a vibrant hub, encompassing a cafe, micro-brewery, and art gallery. At the time, the brewery’s capacity was a mere 200L, akin to a micro-operation with just 4 kegs. In 2000, Martin & Kim took charge, leasing the art gallery and focusing on their specialties: beer and food. By 2004, a cutting-edge full-mash brewery capable of producing 1200L batches was introduced, skyrocketing Matso’s beer to immense popularity among locals and visitors alike. The demand was so remarkable that our enthusiastic bar staff pitched in, hand-bottling, labelling, and packing cartons while delighting customers, allowing everyone to enjoy the Matso’s experience at home.

200o’s

Broome

In 2007, Matso’s found itself unable to meet the ever-growing customer demand. Sadly, due to the limitations of the charming heritage building, there was no room to install an automatic bottling plant. To ensure everyone could continue enjoying Matso’s delicious creations, the tough but necessary decision was made to brew these cherished recipes at another location in Western Australia.

201o’s

Broome

Matso’s had expanded its reach across Australia, proudly remaining a family-owned and operated business. The heart and soul of Matso’s are the three generations of our family who call Broome home. You’ll often find them at the bar, dedicated to quality testing and always ready to share a friendly chat with our valued customers. Our commitment to excellence and the joy of serving you remain unwavering.

202o’s

Sunshine Coast

In 2023, Joe’s Waterhole embraced a vibrant transformation, becoming Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery. A state-of-the-art brew kit found its home here, and the building underwent a renovation. Many materials from the past were thoughtfully repurposed, seamlessly blending with the building’s rich heritage. This exciting change ensures that Matso’s continues to bring its unique flavour and history to the Sunshine Coast, offering an unforgettable experience to all who visit.

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