South West craft brewers Cheeky Monkey take over Rockingham’s Sound Brewing Co. to establish Perth presence

Long-running South West craft brewer Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. has bought financially troubled Rockingham gastropub Sound Brewing Co. The acquisition of Sound, which only opened in mid-2022 before going into administration in September, marks Cheeky Monkey’s first expansion into the Perth metropolitan region. Launched in 2012 with the opening of an expansive brewpub on Cave Road in Wilyabrup, the award-winning brewery also has a production facility and taphouse in Vasse. Cheeky Monkey directors Brent Burton and Brendan Day described the takeover as a “golden opportunity for people in Perth to engage with our brand and enjoy the ‘Cheeky’ experience”. Opening at the Rockingham Centre precinct last year, Sound Brewing Co. has a brewery, taphouse and restaurant. Mr Day said that Cheeky Monkey negotiated terms with administrators, WA Insolvency Solutions, that has seen all remaining staff retained. In the short term, the venue will continue to trade as Sound Brewing Co. before a “brief closure” next year for a “comprehensive re-fit” and reopening as a fully-fledged Cheeky Monkey venue. “We are setting our sights firmly on WA,” the directors said in a joint statement. “The integration of Sound Brewing Co. into our family is just the beginning. “We are eager to bring our unique blend of high-quality products and exceptional service to more communities, reinforcing our belief in the power of local businesses and community engagement.” Last year Cheeky Monkey was named champion Australian small brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards.