Fun Stuff

Welcome to Local Good Friends, our series celebrating the people, places and businesses that make Western Australia such a special place to live, work and explore.

This edition takes us to Old Bridge Cellars, one of Perth's most respected independent liquor retailers. Family owned and proudly independent, Old Bridge Cellars has spent decades championing artisan producers, handcrafted drinks and genuine customer service.

Eagle Bay Brewing Co. has proudly been stocked at Old Bridge Cellars since 2012, and over the years we've shared plenty of great beers, collaborations and friendships along the way.

We caught up with brothers Jay and Toby Beeson to learn more about the story behind Old Bridge Cellars.

A Family Business Built on Great Booze

Old Bridge Cellars is more than just a bottle shop.

It's a place where every bottle has a story.

"My name's Jay Beeson, this is my brother Toby, and we're two of the maniacs behind Old Bridge Cellars," Jay laughs.

With stores in North Fremantle and Como, the family-run business has built its reputation by carefully selecting beers, wines and spirits from passionate producers around Australia and the world.

"We're independent liquor retailers with a real focus on artisan producers and customer service," Toby says.

Art in a Glass

Ask the brothers what makes Old Bridge Cellars different and the answer comes quickly.

"It's not alcohol in a bottle. It's art in a glass."

For Jay, every beer, wine and spirit reflects the people and places behind it.

"We love working with producers who genuinely care about what they make."

That philosophy has guided the business since day one and continues to shape every shelf in the store.

A Long-Standing Friendship

Old Bridge Cellars has supported Eagle Bay Brewing Co. since the brewery's early days.

In fact, Eagle Bay beers were already sitting in the North Fremantle store when Jay and Toby took over the business in 2012.

Since then, the relationship has grown well beyond stocking beer.

Together we've collaborated on several special releases, including one beer that still stands out above the rest.

Brewing Something Special

One of Toby's favourite memories is creating Flounder's Red Ale alongside the Eagle Bay brewing team.

Inspired by the legendary Belgian beer Rodenbach Grand Cru, it was an ambitious project involving mixed fermentation, barrel ageing and plenty of patience.

"It was honestly one of the best beers I've ever tasted."

Thankfully, they managed to hide a few bottles away for themselves.

Watching People Grow

For Jay, one of the most rewarding parts of the business has nothing to do with selling alcohol.

It's watching customers become part of the Old Bridge Cellars story.

"We've served people through birthdays, weddings and all sorts of milestones."

The same applies to the breweries they support.

Watching independent producers like Eagle Bay Brewing Co. evolve and grow over the years has been incredibly rewarding.

"We've all grown together."

The Story Behind the Dhuie

If you've visited the North Fremantle store, you've probably noticed the iconic painted dhufish on the building.

The mural was created by Aboriginal artist Herbert Marshall.

"It was Dad's favourite fish to catch."

Each year, Herbert returned to paint another native animal, gradually creating a series of artworks that became a much-loved local landmark.

People would often stop simply to watch him paint.

More Than a Bottle Shop

Old Bridge Cellars has always been about bringing people together.

From regular tastings and brewery events to collaborative beer launches, the team has created a space where people can discover something new while connecting over a shared love of great drinks.

"The parties, the tastings and the beers we've created together… they're some of the best memories."

Favourite Eagle Bay Beer

When it comes to Eagle Bay favourites, there wasn't much debate.

Jay's pick
Kolsch.

"I'm a Kolsch guy."

Toby's pick
Also Kolsch.

Although he gives a very honourable mention to the IPL.

"That beer is seriously good."

Why We Love Old Bridge Cellars

Independent businesses thrive because of passionate people.

Jay, Toby and the entire Old Bridge Cellars team have spent years supporting local breweries, wineries and distilleries while helping customers discover their next favourite drink.

It's exactly the kind of community we're proud to celebrate through our Local Good Friends series.

If you're in Perth, be sure to visit one of their stores, have a chat with the team and discover something new.