Proposed $200k Mount Gambier Brewery and BBQ waiting on final approval from council

Boasting craft beers, US-style BBQ and possibly rare hand-pumped ales not often seen in Australia, check out the $200,000 plans for a new brewery pub in the Mount.

Artist impressions of the proposed Mount Gambier Brewery. Picture: Supplied

Investors from Melbourne looking for the perfect location to open a new brewery have set their eyes on Mount Gambier after finding Melbourne’s streets oversaturated with craft beers.

The $200,000 development is awaiting the final tick of approval from Mount Gambier Council, with the new owners hoping to have the brewery open before Christmas.

Project co-ordinator Ray Srichumpoung said owners Yuan Yuan Liu and Lu Lu Fan were inspired to open the brewery/cafe in the South-East after they saw the number of developments springing up.

“It looks like Mount Gambier is developing lots — there are the new buildings at Bunnings and there’s the new recreational centre (Wulanda),” Mr Srichumpoung said.

Located at 58 Commercial St West, the brewery and restaurant will take over the warehouse space that backs on to Cadwell St, formally Mac’s Auction.

Artist impressions of the proposed Mount Gambier Brewery. Picture: Supplied

Patrons will need to enter via Cadwell St, with the closed shop-front on Commercial St West likely to be leased to a separate retail business, Mr Srichumpoung said.

The 100-seat venue will focus on a US-style, low-and-slow BBQ menu and sell a craft beer selection of pale ales, IPA, lager, red ale, stout and wheat beer.

“We will be focused on the core range, but we will do special releases occasionally during the holiday season,” Mr Srichumpoung said.

Artist impressions of the proposed Mount Gambier Brewery. Picture: Supplied

The Mount Gambier Brewery is shooting for a country-modern aesthetic, Mr Srichumpoung said.

There are also discussions about the possible installation of a dedicated hand pump for dark beers and some speciality ales.

UK-style hand pumps are rarely seen in Australia with the owner of the Wheatsheaf Hotel, one of the first pubs in Australia to install one, Jade Flavell estimating fewer than a dozen in South Australia.

Artist impressions of the proposed Mount Gambier Brewery. Picture: Supplied

Ms Flavell said hand pumps were great for malt-bodied beers such as stouts, porters and red ales.

Unlike regular tap beer, hand pumps deliver live beer at around 8-10C, cellar temperature, with the beer unpressurised by C02.

“It’s referred to in England as the gentle pint,” Ms Flavell said. “You just get this beautiful fine bead and a creamy head.

“The difference it makes in terms of flavour is a lot about texture and mouthfeel.

“It’s a gentler carbonation — you don’t get that carbonic bite that you get from a carbonated beer — that pickle on the back of the tongue or throat.

“The higher temperature means that you get a lot broader flavour as well.”

Ms Flavell said nitro pumps are an in-between measure, with nitrogen emulating the smooth cascading effect and lower carbonation — however “locking up” flavour in its lower serving temperature.

Demolition of the existing interior has begun with builders ready to begin work as soon as the final seal of approval comes in.