THE Grand Opening of the Phuket Brewery this Monday will attract about 300 of the island's leading citizens across many fields. It should be the social event of the year.

As for the Brewery itself, Phuketwan toured the venue today and we have to say that it's first-class, fantastic, and great for the island's entertainment future.

There's some confusion caused because of the name. The Phuket Brewery certainly will cater to drinkers, but it is primarily a venue for families.

Sure, the Brewery will have its own beer, produced on site in a micro-brewery, but it will be strictly for consumption on the premises.

For those who have yet to see the enormous sailing ship and mast that has recently emerged on the Bypass Road, the venue is directly opposite Tesco-Lotus supermarket.

It's plain that many people will do their shopping along that block, at Tesco, Big C, or at Tops and Central Festival, then head down to the Brewery to catch a show.

The entrance for vehicles is from the Bypass Road, and the spacious carpark behind the venue is so big that mini-buses will carry people up from the furthest extremes of the property.

A one-way departure exit leads to the main road to Patong, so that patrons will be able to depart after a show without massive confusion.

Going up the stairs to the entrance under the huge ship is just like boarding a well-fitted liner from last century, all quality timber with some large portholes for atmosphere.

Off to the left are the Brewery Terrace and the Brewery Garden, outdoor and indoor areas where diners and drinkers will be able to relax during the day from 10.30am or in early evening.

Off to the right is the reception area, where people can book tickets for coming shows. It's a long walk into the venue, and on the way there's more to see.

On the left, a broad corridor leads off to a souvenir shops and two VIP rooms, one capable of holding 30 people and the other made for parties of 50.

On the right, through the glass, new arrivals can see the steel cylinders of the microbrewery at work.

Beer is one of several themes throughout the venue and the microbrewery will be available for tours by groups who wish to learn more about making fine beer.

The open space of the theatre itself is impressive, even in partial darkness. At one end is the stage, 30 metres wide.

Tables and chairs, each with a view of the stage, run back to a curved bar that encircles attractive working parts of the brewery.

The bar top is copper, and the stools are leather. Although construction work is still in progress, this part of the venue already looks magnificent.

This is mostly for people who want to come alone and listen to the music.

Seating at tables is on two levels, with space for 1200 on the ground floor and 530 above.

It is all non-smoking, to protect young family members especially, but there are smoking rooms at the rear on both levels.

The food is not going to be expensive, and it is anticipated that many people will want to try the new Pearl Beer, in three styles.

Pearl Beer will be available for tasting for the first time for those who attend on Monday night. A few surprises are likely, too.

The Brewery formally opens a little later with a performance by the popular Thai band Carabao on November 21. Don't rush for tickets, the concert is already a sellout.

Tickets for the next concert by Be My Guest Again on November 26 are available at 299 baht and 399 baht. Thai headliners have been organised right through to the end of January.

Public Relations Manager Sasikan Intana says the brewery will start with Thai acts and progress to international ones just as soon as they are confident they are ready, probably early next year.

The venue is also ideal for all kinds of staff parties, special occasion gatherings and conferences of all kinds.

On Monday night, the governor, senior politicians, members of the judiciary and other community leaders will be among the first to see just how impressive the Brewery can be.

Reservations, micro-brewery tours and other inquiries can be made by telephoning 076 612885 or 076 249501.



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