Growing up and travelling the globe as a big-wave bodyboarder, Damien Martin earned the nickname “Dangerous Damo”… hence the name of his labour-of-love brewery, Dangerous Ales.
Housed in the revamped Milton Hotel, Dangerous Ales is a family affair. Martin’s father-in-law backed the business from the start; his brother-in-law works in the brewery; his wife is in charge of back-of-house; and his cousin, Kate Hart, is the woman behind the outfit’s can artwork and merchandise (terry-towelling bucket hat, anyone?).
In fact, Dangerous Ales is so on-point with its tinnie illustrations that some devotees have turned them into tattoos.
More interested in drink than ink? Try the avant-garde Lemon, Lime and Why So Bitter? sour ale or the Backyard Pale Ale. Or Uncle Damo’s Oaths – a stout with chocolate and toffee notes.
Martin was a chef for 20 years and the food on offer reflects that. The menu might feature dishes like wood-fired scallops and XO butter or a Wagyu rump with pickled onion and spinach. Bar snacks also veer towards the interesting – think sardines on toast and chicken katsu. Take a seat on the expansive deck to drink in the ocean views.
