Stomping Ground La Boca has officially opened for business in time for Arts Centre Melbourne’s summer musical EVITA. Collingwood brewery Stomping Ground Brewing Co has created a colourful, engaging and fun pop-up beer garden to celebrate the spirit, sounds, smells and tastes of Argentina.
Trading until Sunday 24 February 2019 at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Forecourt, the general public and theatregoers alike can now enjoy a genuine Argentinian experience before they enter the theatre.
“The Stomping Ground La Boca pop-up will ensure that your experience starts way before the curtain rises; it starts before you even enter the Theatres building. It means that you will experience some of the best elements of Argentina before the show, and have the opportunity to continue the experience afterwards. It’s the whole package,” said Director of Food & Beverage at Arts Centre Melbourne Frank Bischoff.
With a La Boca beer brewed exclusively for this beer garden, co-Founder of Stomping Ground Brewing Co Steve Jeffares says the vision to transport visitors to Argentina has come to life.
“In the months since we pitched our La Boca concept to the Arts Centre Melbourne team, a small army of people have been working to bring it to life, so it is brilliant to see the first customers enjoying the immersive experience so much. With some tango performances, free lessons by Tango Melbourne, latin music, delicious food by Asado and Stomping Ground beers, bring on the summer!” Jeffares said.
With Asado bringing classic Argentinian food to La Boca throughout the summer, people will be able to enjoy dishes featuring flavours of the region, including empanadas and street style choripán.
“We could not be happier with this collaboration! When it comes to Argentina, its cuisine and culture, Asado has it covered. The team at Stomping Ground Brewing Co have really captured the essence of La Boca and opening night gave us a taste of what Argentina does best; cerveza, Malbec, empanadas and tango,” Renee McConnell of the San Telmo group said.
Surrounded by colourful umbrellas and deck chairs, festoon lighting, a ‘Little La Boca’ cubbyhouse by Castle + Cubby perfect for the kids to play in, and the double storey grand shipping container converted into a bar featuring the incredible artwork by local artist Justine McAllister, this will be a summer experience like no other.
Opera Australia’s EVITA opens this Wednesday 5 December and they could not be more thrilled to be a centrepiece for an event like this.
“We are thrilled that our audiences will be able to continue their theatre experience into Stomping Ground La Boca. As EVITA is set in Argentina, and is the story of Eva Perón and the people of the country, it seems fitting that this was the inspiration for this great activation at Arts Centre Melbourne where people can enjoy an amazing theatrical event and also enjoy those hot summer days and nights in Melbourne,” EVITA producers Opera Australia, John Frostand David Ian said.
Arts Centre Melbourne and Stomping Ground Brewing Co present
Stomping Ground La Boca
Arts Centre Melbourne Forecourt
Until 24 February 2019 | 11am until late
Book at artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183
