Fun Stuff

The Eagle Bay experience is shaped by the people behind it. In our It Takes a Village series, we introduce the passionate team members who help make Eagle Bay Brewing Co. such a special place to visit.

Meet Liam | Hospitality Supervisor

For Liam Budd, great hospitality starts with one simple idea.

Look after your team, and they will look after your guests.

Now approaching his third summer at Eagle Bay Brewing Co., Liam brings years of international hospitality experience, a passion for great drinks and a calm, supportive leadership style to our restaurant team.

Hospitality Around the World

After finishing school and deferring university, Liam chose hospitality as a career that could take him anywhere.

With a strong set of hospitality skills, he knew he would always have the opportunity to work while travelling.

That journey eventually took him to Canada, where he developed his bartending experience and discovered how much he enjoyed creating memorable experiences for guests.

“In Canada, you really have to perform because you are working for tips,” Liam says.

“That was when I realised how much I enjoyed giving people a genuinely good experience.”

Learning What Makes a Great Manager

Throughout his hospitality career, Liam worked with many different managers.

Some experiences showed him exactly what kind of leader he wanted to become.

“I worked for a couple of really good managers who took the time to understand what was happening and looked after their team.”

Those managers taught Liam that leadership is not about jumping on every mistake.

It is about listening, supporting people and helping them feel confident in their role.

“The best way to look after your customers is to look after your team.”

Creating a Positive Guest Experience

At Eagle Bay Brewing Co., Liam focuses on creating a friendly, relaxed and welcoming experience for every guest.

That begins behind the scenes.

“If your team is trained, supported and happy at work, that naturally flows through to the customer experience.”

For Liam, the restaurant team feels like a family.

It is that sense of connection and support that he hopes every guest feels when they visit.

Learning the Art of Pairing

One of Liam’s favourite hospitality roles was at Saltlik Steakhouse in Banff, Canada.

The team was expected to pair a wine, beer and cocktail with every dish on the menu, which changed every two weeks.

“It was a huge learning experience.”

The role helped Liam develop a deeper understanding of flavour, balance and drink recommendations.

When he first joined Eagle Bay, he admits his beer knowledge was still developing.

Through brewery talks, brew days and conversations with Head Brewer Keegan, Liam began connecting what he already knew about wine, cocktails and gin with the world of beer.

“Now I love recommending a beer and watching someone really enjoy it.”

“You get to take people on a bit of a journey.”

Coming Home to Eagle Bay

Eagle Bay Brewing Co. was already part of Liam’s story long before he joined the team.

It was a regular destination during family holidays in the South West.

When Liam turned 18, his dad brought him to the brewery for his first pint of Eagle Bay Kolsch, which remains his dad’s favourite beer.

“It was always somewhere I could imagine working.”

The location did not hurt either.

“The view is incredible, you can swim in the bay on your break, and there is always a great beer waiting at the end of the day.”

Liam’s Eagle Bay Favourites

Staff drink of choice

A Citrus Sour or 90 Day Pilsner.

“It is a tough choice between the two.”

Favourite menu pairing

Tuna Tartare and Prawn Tacos.

“They work so well together.”

Favourite local spots

• A quiet stretch of coastline between Meelup and Eagle Bay
• Wild Hop for an afternoon beer
• Yallingup Lagoon when the wind drops

Liam’s Life Advice

Liam’s advice is a reminder not to let the busy moments take over.

“Take the time to enjoy the things that are important to you.”

“Deal with the stressful things when you need to, but do not take life too seriously. It is meant to be enjoyed.”

Meet the Village

Liam’s thoughtful approach to leadership, hospitality and guest experience makes him an important part of the Eagle Bay Brewing Co. team.

From helping his team feel supported to guiding guests through their next favourite beer, he brings warmth, knowledge and genuine care to every shift.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the wonderful people who make up our village.