Bar
Little Creatures Brewery Fremantle
The harbourside home of Little Creatures beer in Fremantle, with a big beer hall, brewery tours and decks overlooking the Fishing Boat Harbour.
Sail and Anchor
A restored 1900s pub on Fremantle's South Terrace, opposite the markets, that became Australia's first boutique pub brewery in the 1980s.
At a glance
- Type
- Heritage pub and craft beer bar
- Area
- Fremantle, Perth, Australia
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- sailandanchor.com.au
Good to know
- Heritage building
- Balcony
- Large tap list
- Opposite Fremantle Markets
Why we recommend it
The Sail and Anchor stands on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street in Fremantle, directly opposite the Fremantle Markets. There has been a hotel on this site since 1854, and the present building went up between 1901 and 1903, designed by architect Frederick William Burwell for owner James Gallop and built by William Reynolds. Its corner position, facing both South Terrace and Henderson Street, has made it a landmark of central Fremantle for more than a century. For most of its life it traded as the Freemasons' Hotel; it took its current name in 1986.
The pub has an important place in Australian beer history. In 1984 it was bought by Brewtech, which restored the building and installed a brewery, creating what is described as Australia's first boutique pub brewery. Micro-brewing on site was halted for a time after 2010 and has since resumed, according to the pub's Wikipedia history, and beer remains the focus of the venue.
The restoration also brought back some of the building's original character. A veranda and balcony that had been removed in 1955 and replaced with a suspended awning were reinstated during the works of 1984 to 1986, and a first-floor wing added to the western side in the 1920s is still part of the building. The balcony looks over South Terrace, one of Fremantle's main streets, and the markets opposite.
Time Out has described a tap list of 27 beers, including British-style handpumps, alongside a programme of tap takeovers, festivals and one-off events, and the range is broad enough to suit both curious newcomers and dedicated craft beer fans. The pub is now operated by ALH, the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, and it suits groups of friends and couples looking for a relaxed pub with a long beer list.
Its position makes it a natural stop during a Fremantle day out. Fremantle Markets are across the road, the cafes of the Cappuccino Strip, including Gino's, are further along South Terrace, and Fremantle Prison is also in the town centre. Opening hours have historically been later at the weekend, so check the pub's website for current times before you go.
Sail and Anchor FAQs
Where is the Sail and Anchor?
At 64 South Terrace, on the corner of Henderson Street in Fremantle, opposite the Fremantle Markets.
How old is the Sail and Anchor?
A hotel has stood on the site since 1854; the current building dates from 1901 to 1903.
What was it called before?
It was the Freemasons' Hotel until it was renamed the Sail and Anchor in 1986.
Why is it important for beer?
After Brewtech bought and restored it in 1984, it became Australia's first boutique pub brewery.
How many beers are on tap?
Time Out has described 27 taps, including British handpumps.
Is there a balcony?
Yes. The veranda and balcony were restored during the 1984 to 1986 renovation.
Who operates the pub?
It is operated by ALH, the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group.
What is nearby?
Fremantle Markets are opposite, and the Cappuccino Strip and Fremantle Prison are in the town centre.