Located within the historic E Division building at Pentridge Prison in Coburg, BrewDog Pentridge is rich in the history of the iconic site which was established in 1851.  

HM Prison Pentridge, better known as Pentridge Prison, was established in Coburg in 1851 when the first convicts arrived at the gaol. 

Largely constructed in the period 1858-64, Pentridge is the largest prison complex constructed in Victoria in the 19th century and operated as the central establishment in the wider prison system from the early 1860s. 

After the closure of the Melbourne Gaol in the 1920s, Pentridge became the main remand and reception prison for the Melbourne metropolitan area. 

Pentridge became a word synonymous with prison, notes a National Trust database report. “Most of Victoria’s convicted and notorious criminals were gaoled there between 1900 and the 1990’s and it was the site of many hangings in the same period.” 

Indeed, in 1967, Ronald Ryan, who was convicted of the murder of a prison officer during an escape from Pentridge, became the last person in Victoria to be hanged. 

By the 1990s conditions within the jail were outdated. The facility closed on 1 May 1997, and the Victorian Government sold the prison in 1999 and since then the prison has seen several different owners.  

Today, the public can come and enjoy various aspects of the old prison. Including guided tours which launched in 2023, giving all a chance to look inside the walls of one of Australia’s most infamous prisons. 

Pentridge shares that, whilst its often-dark history is acknowledged and respected, it has now entered the next phase of life, “Pentridge’s past is riddled with suffering, of which we remain respectful. Areas of historical significance remain protected, and heritage elements are being retained to serve as a humbling reminder of the past. We seek to create a place that recognises the importance of Pentridge’s past, whilst welcoming a new community of residents, locals, and visitors.” 

Today, the E Division is home to internationally recognised BrewDog, where history and craft beer meet in a setting that honors the legacy of one of Australia’s most iconic sites. 

Come in soon and say hello.