Mr. Dan Ellis reports

BIG ROCK AND OLIVER & BONACINI PARTNER TO OPEN LIBERTY COMMONS AT BIG ROCK BREWERY

Oliver & Bonacini and Big Rock Brewery Inc. have launched their spirited collaboration, Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery. Located at the corner of Liberty Street and Atlantic Avenue (42 Liberty St.), the modern-day brew pub celebrates quality food and craft beer in a vibrant heritage space.

Liberty Commons' culinary vision is driven by O&B corporate executive chef Anthony Walsh, district executive chef John Horne (Canoe, Auberge du Pommier) and newly appointed chef de cuisine Ryan Lister (formerly of Canoe). Overseeing the brewing program at Liberty Commons are Big Rock brewmasters Connor K. Patrick and Dan Ellis.

Liberty Commons' menus are largely inspired by quirky and imaginative twists on fine comfort food, with many dishes creatively integrating Big Rock Brewery's quality craft beers.

"We're thrilled to be working closely with chef Ryan and his incredibly talented staff to craft beers that both complement and enhance the outstanding dishes being created," said brewmaster Mr. Ellis. "We are excited to brew under the same roof as such flavour experts and we fully intend on utilizing that tremendous resource to push the envelope."

Serving lunch, dinner, late night bites and weekend brunch, much of Liberty Commons' cuisine is rooted in big, bold flavours. Familiar pub favourites, like Big Rock Pilsner battered haddock and chips ($17) with mushy peas and tartar sauce, are interspersed with gastro standouts, such as cottage pie ($20) with bone marrow, beef mince and Big Rock Traditional Ale gravy.

Liberty Commons will also be offering an impressive BBQ menu, featuring baby back ribs, jerk chicken, rotisserie beef brisket, pork sausage and charcoal-roasted eggplant -- available for both dine-in and takeout lunch.

Launching Feb. 18, weekend brunch at Liberty Commons aims to "cure what ales you" with hearty hangover fare, like Yorkshire eggs benny ($15) with ham, Yorkshire pudding, poached eggs, Big Rock lager hollandaise and home fries; and the brewmaster breakfast ($19) with fried eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, fried bread, mushrooms and baked beans.

"We want Liberty Commons to be a place for the neighbourhood to come together over knockout food and brews," said Mr. Walsh. "Here, there's a connection between food and beer that's so much more than just a pint. From stocks and sauces to batters and brines, beer flows naturally throughout all aspects the restaurant."

Highlighting a wide range of styles and unique flavours, Liberty Commons offers eight Big Rock taps, which feature its signature beers, seasonal offerings and plenty of rotating experimental brews made exclusively in house. All of Liberty Commons' draught brews can be enjoyed as pints or in tasting flights. On the cocktail list are a smattering of beer-based concoctions, such as the G&G Radler ($8) and the Quintana Roo Michelada ($9). Mondays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests can take advantage of $5 pints of Big Rock lager, $8 old fashioneds, $8 sangria and $7 glasses of wine.

Designed by award-winning firm DesignAgency, the venue combines contemporary and industrial elements, and showcases brewer's tools, including six fermenting vessels. Set in a two-level heritage space, Liberty Commons occupies the entire lower level and features a lively bar and dining room, as well as two customizable private dining rooms: Barrel Room and Drink Tank. Plans for a patio complete with lounge seating and outdoor fireplaces are also in the works.

The main level houses Big Rock Brewery's Beer Shop and tap room, where guests can enjoy a pint while casually dining on select menu offerings from Liberty Commons, as well as take home Big Rock's freshest brews -- in bottle, tall can or growler format.

For full hours of operation or to make a reservation, please visit the Liberty Commons website or call 416-304-9403.

About Big Rock Brewery

Big Rock Brewery Inc. produces premium, all-natural craft beers. Big Rock has a broad family of permanent ales and lagers, the Rock Creek Cider series, and a continuing selection of seasonal and cutting-edge, small-batch brews. Big Rock brews in Calgary, Alta., Vancouver, B.C., and Toronto, Ont. Big Rock is available in Ontario at the LCBO, The Beer Story and grocery; all brewed in Big Rock's Etobicoke brewery or on site at Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery.