St. Pete’s newest brewery is now open, as Aussie brewpub Where’s Jubes has finally made its long-awaited debut. Housed in a prime downtown location at 277 Central Avenue, the new project has been in development for quite some time as it underwent significant renovation to turn the space into a full-fledged brewery.
Beginning with only bar service, Where’s Jubes is open 3 pm – 3 am daily, starting with this week’s First Friday festivities. Led by the Australian-born Josh “Jubes” Cameron, Where’s Jubes is opening in three phases as a result of supply chain issues and other hurdles outside of the brewpub’s control.
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The brewery is still waiting on shipments of hops from Australia to make its own beer, so phase one of the opening will feature local craft beers and a full liquor bar complete with Australian-inspired cocktails. Phase two, which Cameron estimates to be a month or two out, will showcase the debut of Where’s Jubes’ first house-brewed beers and an official grand opening. Phase three shortly after will introduce a full kitchen featuring Australian-inspired eats.
A Kiwi and an Aussie walk into a bar…
Cameron owns four other restaurants in St. Pete – including Central Avenue neighbors Oyster Bar and Crafty Squirrel – but Where’s Jubes is his first foray into what has long been a dream for him: opening a brewpub in downtown St. Pete.
Eight years ago, Cameron was at a trade show and befriended a man named Brian Watson. As it turned out, the New Zealand native also happened to be one of the world’s most celebrated brewmasters and the founder of several breweries including the internationally-renowned Good George Brewing in New Zealand. The two became fast friends, and shortly after, Watson asked Cameron if he would ever be interested in opening a brewpub together.
“That’s actually the first thing I wanted to do in St. Pete,” Cameron responded.
Years later, the duo has brought the dream to life with Where’s Jubes, and Cameron believes the Aussie-inspired brews he and Watson craft will be a perfect match for sunny St. Pete.
“Australian beer is very much geared for this Florida weather,” he said. “It’s easy, refreshing, drinkable beer.”
Try the Bong Bong IPA or Spanker Knob Pale Ale
Where’s Jubes will feature a wide variety of rotating beers, and while the brewing behind them may be serious, the names are anything but. A nod to his fun-loving (and often curse-laden) personality, Cameron has named each beer for cities, regions and assorted landmarks throughout Australia. However, don’t expect names like Sydney Stout or Melbourne Mild Ale.
Instead, guests will soon be able to drink pints of the Booti Booti Brut IPA, named for a national park in New South Wales. The Barangaroo Pilsner will provide a clean and refreshing option named for a neighborhood in Sydney. More creations include the Cocklebiddy Porter, Bong Bong IPA, Spanker Knob Pacific Pale Ale, Wonglepong Light Lager, and Koolanooka Red Lager.
While the highly-transformed space is ready for opening, Cameron does have more plans in the works. Shortly after opening, Where’s Jubes will install garage doors on the side of the pub facing 3rd Street North, connecting the indoor bar to the 140 outdoor seats.
Follow Where’s Jubes on facebook for more updates.
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