Jeffreys Bay Craft Brewery has become part of the town’s hospitality scene. The brewery reflects owner Bruce Tavenor’s love of engineering, brewing, surfing and Jeffreys Bay.
Building the Brewery
Tavenor’s brewing journey began in 1997 while working for South African Breweries as a process engineer and project manager. He studied brewing theory and helped develop the Fransen Street microbrewery in Chamdor.
Later, a holiday in Jeffreys Bay inspired a goal. He wanted to move to the town and open a microbrewery.
In 2016, Tavenor took over a surfboard factory. He spent two years transforming it into a brewery and taproom. By November 2017, Jeffreys Bay Craft Brewery had produced its beers.
Perseverance Through Difficult Years
Seasonal trade, drought, poor water quality, load shedding and COVID-19 tested the business. However, Tavenor continued his engineering work and kept improving the brewery.
“Don’t quit, never quit, never ever quit, don’t give up,” he says.
His engineering skills also helped him design and build the brewing equipment. Customer praise for the beer made that work worthwhile.
J-Bay in Every Beer
The brewery’s beers draw their names from local surf breaks and surfing culture. Supers, a light lager, is the bestseller. Captain Jeffrey’s Pale Ale offers citrus, litchi and fruity flavours. Meanwhile, Boneyards dark lager remains a favourite.
Tavenor brews small batches using specialty malts and hops. The beers ferment and carbonate naturally. They remain unfiltered and unpasteurised, creating a distinctive flavour profile.
A Local Meeting Place
Locals support the taproom, especially on Wednesdays and Friday afternoons. The venue also hosts functions, birthdays and wedding receptions.
Tavenor plans to add a Pilsner and Weissbier. Ultimately, he hopes to brew two days each week and surf for five.
Jeffreys Bay Craft Brewery is at 33 Jeffreys Street, Jeffreys Bay.
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