Our Story

Over 16 years ago, UK entrepreneur Russell Foster discovered the peaceful harbour town of Port Owen. Captivated by its charm and climate, he chose to settle there and began investing in the community. About 10 years ago, he developed a hotel and restaurant that he later sold and no longer has any connection to.

Russell’s true legacy lies in Charlie’s Brewhouse – a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant on the marina, created to bring people together over great food, craft drinks, and West Coast hospitality. Beyond the brewhouse, he has contributed significantly to the community, founding the Grace Medical Centre, Amelia’s Haven for elderly persons in need, and supporting the Velddrif soup kitchen, animal care efforts, and establishing an English-speaking church for the area.

What To Expect

Enjoy the rustic vibe inside or unwind outside on the patio with stunning marina views, Charlie’s Brewhouse is the perfect place to chill-out and reinvigorate. With ample space for up to 160 patrons, the choice is yours.

The raised, glass-panelled patio also serves as an idyllic location for private or corporate functions, while big screen TV’s make Charlie’s Brewhouse a winning environment for all sports lovers of any age. What’s more, our Marina boat cruise is only a hop, skip and a jump away, starting and ending right on our doorstep.

Please contact our restaurant manager for more information.

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A Fusion Between British and West Coast Flavours

Tasked with creating a delicious gastronomic fusion between British pub fare and the finest West Coast flavours, Lovemore, our Head Chef, has exceeded all expectations and mastered a menu to please any palate.

Enjoy a range of bar snacks, also great as starters, which includes sea-fresh West Coast mussels, beer prawns and a charcuterie board, served with straight out-the-oven beer bread.

Hearty fare to feast on best describes the selection of mains at Charlie’s Brewhouse, Choose from Eisbein, pulled pork sandwiches and burgers with juicy homemade patties. Salads and vegetarian options are also available.

For those with a sweet tooth, the decadent dessert menu will definitely delight, offering chocolate and ale pudding, Eton mess and silky-smooth homemade ice cream.

The kids menu features all the favourites, such as hamburgers, crispy fish ‘n chips and bangers ‘n mash, making Charlie’s Brewhouse your first choice for family-friendly dining on the Cape West Coast.

Our Brewery & Gin

Inspired by his UK ventures, Russell brought his love for brewing and distilling to Port Owen. Since 2018, Charlie’s has been home to a full-scale brewery producing craft favourites. Alongside it, he launched his own gin distillery, Poetic Licence.

To streamline operations, the distillation process was moved to Cape Town, but the gin remains the same. Once distilled, it returns to Port Owen where it’s bottled at Charlie’s Brewhouse. Poetic Licence is still proudly ours – same product, same brand, same heart.

Whether you’re sipping a classic G&T or exploring our seasonal gin specials, you’re getting a true taste of the West Coast.

Make the Most of the West Coast’s Beauty

Russell Foster, Owner, Charlie’s Brewhouse

“The Cape West Coast is a beautiful part of the world. The waterways in the Port Owen Marina attract bird watching enthusiasts, boaters, canoeists, fishermen and families to just generally enjoy the outdoors. I could not think of a better place to launch Charlie’s Brewhouse, or of a better spot to sit and enjoy a craft beer and a delicious meal – looking out over the water, watching the boats go by and relaxing with friends and family. I am very excited about this new venture and to welcoming you to Charlie’s Brewhouse.”

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