Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf — Restaurant in Cairns City

I recently celebrated my 60th Birthday with ten days in Cairns, and for my ‘big night’ – my 60th Birthday Dinner – I chose Hemingway’s Brewery. Close to 30 of my best friends and family from throughout my 60 years on the planet flew in from all over the country, and the pressure to create a memorable night for my guests was immense. In the past, I have often been disappointed in either the service, the food, and the atmosphere.

But Hemingway’s was perfect, and my big night was a spectacular success. All of my guests raved about the quality of the food, the ambience, the service, and the great atmosphere.

Throughout the planning, Mariel and Kenny were outstanding – responding to my many anxious emails and phone calls with complete professionalism and good humour. Nothing was too much trouble, and everything that needed to be attended to (from dietary requirements to seating arrangements) was managed perfectly.

When we arrived at the beautiful venue, my decorations had been assembled, and our dinner area looked beautiful. The attention from Mariel and our bartender Scott was exceptional, and the delicious cocktails on arrival were all there waiting for us.

Throughout the night, the food boards were delivered promptly to our tables, and the food was amazing! Hot (not lukewarm as can often be the case), and the chefs had done an incredible job of preparing delicious food, with the perfect combination of flavours, that each of my guests absolutely enjoyed, and raved about for days afterwards.

I can’t remember a ‘big birthday’ celebration that has gone as perfectly as this night at Hemingway’s did. I cannot recommend the venue, the staff and the food...

This happened a couple of weeks ago, and it took me a while to write this review because, to be fair, the beers at this place do taste good. However, what happened that night was very unpleasant, and I will never go back.

We went on a Friday for the pizza and beer deal ($25), just myself and two friends. I’m lactose intolerant and they’re both vegetarians. I ordered a pizza with vegan cheese, and they ordered theirs with regular cheese. When my pizza arrived, it was clearly made with regular cheese. I politely asked the staff member if he could confirm it was vegan, and he seemed visibly annoyed. He went to the kitchen to check, came back, slammed his hand on the table, and insisted it was “100% vegan.”

A few minutes later, my friends' pizza arrived, brought by a different staff member. She said that was the vegan one, which confused me. I explained that the other guy had already confirmed mine was vegan and that I’m lactose intolerant. She raised her voice and said, “Calm down, OK?” Who talks to a customer like that?

My friends and I were shocked by their attitude. Moments later, we noticed both of them laughing and looking at us from a corner of the bar. It felt extremely disrespectful and uncomfortable.

The male staff member was blond with tattoos, and the woman had black hair tied back.

I left feeling disgusted and disrespected. I won’t be...

I have fond memories of this building as a child, filled with corn and sugar piles ready to be transported. So it was very cool to see the facility restored, keeping alot of the natural charm. As it is now the venue is impressive to say the least. Would be ideal for large groups. Wasn't too busy for our visit but I will say it was fairy noisy.. Flagship Beer paddle was fairly standard, went back for another 7th Heaven as it suited my taste. TBH wasn't that impressed with the bar staff that served me, seemed to have very little interest in the product let alone talking to me about it.. Response I got was that I could get a print out on my receipt. Artichoke taco was so full of shredded cabbage and only 2 quarters of Artichoke in each taco, so I was a bit disappointed. Pork Schnitzel was a decent size and well presented. Porterhouse Steaks, not cooked to ordered preferences, not rendered and tough. Puzzled by the sides of broccolini and chips, no other vegetable option or mash potato, odd to not have a choice I reckon 🤔 Garden salad was great, would love to know what the dressing was, sweet, orange, vanilla flavours. Waitress Jade was very accommodating, moved us away from fans as per my elderly parents request, super friendly and made sure we were all happy...