Beerenberg Farm at Hahndorf unveils $2.6m packing shed expansion, including new cafe, demo kitchen and ice-creamery

One of SA’s most popular tourism spots, Beerenberg is about to open up its stunning $2.6m makeover – including cafe, demo kitchen and function space.

The state’s oldest strawberry farm is readying itself for a new onslaught of visitors as it prepares to unveil its long-awaited $2.6m expansion to the public next week.

Food producer Beerenberg has completed an eight-month expansion of its former packing shed and shop site, owned by the Paech family since 1839.

An expanded farm shop is now complemented by a cafe, Beerenberg museum and demo kitchen with an associated function space that doubles as a private tasting room.

There’s also an in-house ice creamery with more than 10 flavours to choose from.

Head chef David Bennett and hostess Taylor Bull with milkshakes and sweet treats at Beerenberg Farm at Hahndorf. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The new-look farm shop. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Inside the new farm shop at Beerenberg Farm at Hahndorf. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Marketing director Sally Paech said the new visitor experience had been a long time coming.

“We started construction in February but the project has been in planning for four years,” she said.

“Obviously with Covid we had to wait a year, but that was fine and in the end it all worked out nicely.

“We’ve probably taken on 30 more people as a result of this redevelopment – and that doesn’t include construction – and that (recruitment) is ongoing.”

Ms Paech said the new visitor centre opens to the public on Monday with private experiences to launch soon after.

Fancy an ice cream? You’ll have 10 flavours to choose from. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Can we have one of each please? Picture: Brenton Edwards

“There will be something for everyone,” she said.

“(The) Strawberry Lane (museum) tells our story but also includes some fun stuff for the kids and it also connects to the conservatory, which people can hire out to host events.

“We also have a great new kitchen where we’ll do cooking demonstrations on Friday, Saturday and Sundays at 1pm and then at other times we can use it for private tasting experiences.

“We now also make our own ice-cream and our cafe has a beautiful menu which showcases our products – it’s something I’m very excited about as it’s something I wanted since I was very little.”

Don’t have a sweet tooth? Why not take a seat at Beerenberg’s new cafe. Picture: Brenton Edwards

You can join staff for tastings, demonstrations and foodie experiences in this new demo kitchen and function space. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The opening of the visitor centre also coincides with the official launch of the annual strawberry season, including Beerenberg’s much-loved pick-your-own experience.

“There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked strawberries,” Ms Paech said.

“We’ve been running strawberry picking at our strawberry farm since 1975, and we’ve never missed a season.”