By Holly Martin
Just a short drive from Marmora sits a brewery that has become much more than a place to grab a drink. Ludlam Island Brewery has spent the last 10 years building a space where locals and visitors alike can gather for great food, craft beer, and a true sense of community.
From bingo nights and live music to line dancing and seasonal celebrations, there is always something happening at Ludlam Island Brewery. The massive indoor space offers plenty of seating, a lively bar atmosphere, and an outdoor area that feels like a beachside escape without ever stepping onto the coastline.
For owner William Topley, community has always been at the heart of the brewery’s mission.
“We do a lot of charity events and beers. We are very community focused,” says Topley.
When he opened the brewery a decade ago, his vision was simple: create a place people could not wait to share with others.
“When you have someone visiting, I wanted a place where you could say, ‘you have to go there,’” he explains.
That welcoming atmosphere is easy to feel the moment you walk through the doors. Ludlam Island Brewery is not just serving craft beer and barbecue, it is creating experiences that bring people together. Whether it is families enjoying dinner, friends catching live entertainment, or strangers bonding over a big sporting event, the brewery has become a local gathering place where everyone feels included.
The drink menu features an impressive lineup of craft beers, along with cocktails and mocktails that make every guest feel accommodated. During my visit on Kentucky Derby night, the brewery was buzzing with excitement as patrons arrived dressed for the occasion, many sporting elaborate hats for the brewery’s best-dressed competition.
I decided to try the specialty drink of the night, “The Unstabled,” Ludlam’s twist on a mint julep. As someone who prefers mocktails, I was thrilled when the staff happily created a nonalcoholic version for me. The drink was sweet, minty, refreshing, and the perfect companion for watching the horses line up at the gate.
The brewery’s setup keeps things casual and fun, with separate ordering stations for food and drinks. While waiting for my meal, I could not help but notice tables filled with barbecue platters, kielbasa and peppers sandwiches, and towering burgers.
Then I spotted the brisket cheesesteak.
This Texas-style smoked brisket cheesesteak was chopped and tossed with caramelized onions and gooey American cheese, all piled onto a fresh seeded roll. One bite in, it was clear why it turned heads throughout the dining room. The brisket was tender and packed with smoky flavor, while the melted cheese coated every bite perfectly.
Just when I thought I had found the best thing on the menu, Topley shared another fan favorite.
“We just put burgers on the menu,” he says. “I grind the brisket myself. These burgers are unbelievable!”
Safe to say, I already know what I’m ordering next time.
As the Kentucky Derby began, the brewery erupted with cheers as guests gathered around the TVs, shouting for their favorite horses down the stretch. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured what makes Ludlam Island Brewery special. This was not simply dinner and drinks, it was a shared experience.
That sense of togetherness is what keeps people coming back. Ten years in, Ludlam Island Brewery continues to prove that the best local spots are not just built on good food and drinks, but on the communities they create around them.
Parking: Ludlum Island Brewery has a massive parking lot with plenty of parking available.
Quality: This brewery takes pride in everything they serve. Everything is fresh, local, and delicious.
Service: The staff was friendly, kind, and quick! The bar was full, but the wait was minimal for both food and beverages.
Would we go back? ABSOLUTELY!!
Atmosphere/Vibe: Owner, William Topley, wants you to feel like home here, and brings your friends too! There is great barbecue, indoor and outdoor seating, family friendly, and a fun beer fest vibe. Mocktails can be made for all the underage and sober living friends. This is a very chill brewery that also has plenty of entertainments and events to choose from.
Price/Value: Reasonable prices for the quality.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
