Blanket Flat Brewery planning to open unique beer experience in Hatherleigh

Ever wanted to make a personalised beer for a wedding or special event? Inside this historic stone barn, you soon can.

Retired army officer David Smith inside his microbrewery Blanket Flat Brewery at Hatherleigh, on SA’s Limestone coast. Picture: Supplied

A retired army officer and long-time hobby brewer has embarked on his dream to convert a 120-year-old barn into a microbrewery and provide visitors with the “bespoke” experience of hands-on beer making.

David and Selena Smith – a professional visual artist – moved from Victoria to the small town of Hatherleigh, just north of Millicent, in 2022 after falling in love with a century-old stone villa for sale.

Located on the property is a 1902-built stone barn that the married couple converted into an art studio and Blanket Flat Brewery.

Selena Smith outside her art studio in Hatherleigh. Picture: Supplied

“The barn is effectively split into thirds, two-thirds Selena uses for her art studio and the other third I’ve got set up as a brewery,” Mr Smith said.

“At the moment I just do home brewery, but I’m studying a graduate certificate in brewing through Federation University.”

The couple has now sought planning approval from Wattle Range Council for renovations and extensions to take his years-long hobby to the next level and open up to visitors.

David has been brewing his own beer for more than thirteen years and is now opening his own brewery for small groups. Picture: Supplied

“What we’re seeking from the council is to set (the barn) up as a brewery so I can do two things,” Mr Smith said.

“The first is to make beer for sales but the other thing we want to do is to offer experiences for people to come along and be involved with making beer, learn about the brewing process, ingredients and what to look for when tasting beer.”

He aims to offer the unique experience to small groups such as bridal parties or birthdays, where people can make their own “special” beer he can then produce and provide for weddings or parties.

Outside the Hatherleigh stone barn as retired army officer David Smith and his artist wife Selena convert their 120 year old barn into a brewery and art studio space. Picture: Supplied

“It’s more about the experience,” Mr Smith said. “We’re not trying to set up competition with Coopers or any of the local pubs, it’s just about giving people the opportunity to experience and learn about beer making ... to make something they’d like.”

“It’ll be very bespoke,” Ms Smith said.

The plan is now open to public consultation. The couple said the project is ready to go and needs only approval to install an accessible toilet and appropriate car parking.

“I love making beer, I love the science and the process of it. I like drinking beer too, of course, but I think I actually enjoy making it more than I like drinking it,” Mr Smith said.

“We just hope, along with Selena’s art studio, that’ll it give the area and community a something little extra for people to come and enjoy.”