Our Story

About us:

In 2021 we took over the old West Coast Brewery (Miner's Brewery) in Westport, New Zealand. Since then we have set about revitalising the 30 year old equipment, with new recipes and a new approach. Our taproom and bar is open Tuesday to Saturday.

Founded by beer writer, and author, Luke Robertson, with partner Emma Bemrose, we are a production brewery and taproom serving great, locally made beer using New Zealand ingredients.

You’ll find a rotating range of one-off and limited beers that celebrate local produce and the wider world of beer. Plus a range of wine, soft drink and the occasional cocktail, made in-house or as close to as possible. 

Shortjaw Brewing is a West Coast Brewery, with all the heart of the West Coast and the warmth of Buller.

On weekends you’ll find unique street food and the best burgers in Westport from the team at Mister Chops. The food truck is parked on site for dine in, or takeway. Expect South East Asian flavours, Latin-American spice, American favourites, all with the unique Mister Chops flair.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Our Name and Logo:

Shortjaw is borrowed from a species of Whitebait endemic to New Zealand; the Shortjaw kōkopu. Found in rivers and streams around the West Coast it is rarely seen, spending its time in shady spots in quiet areas. It's not a metaphor for us, it's just a cool fish that we wanted to celebrate. 

Our logo features a mature version of the fish, illustrated by our friend, Andrew Saltmarsh.