Historical bakery turned into ‘monster’ distillery
A historical bakery has been turned into a ‘monster’ distillery by a semi retiree who ‘just wanted to cook up some booze’: First look inside the 100-seat venture here
Sunshine Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sunshine Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A SEMI-retired man who just wanted to quietly sit back and “cook up some booze” has instead stumbled upon a distillering “monster”.
Robin Yates, owner of Pomona Distillery which enjoyed a soft opening today, said he has created something special, that can be shared with the whole community.
The distillery is set on the historical Pomona Bakery site and specialises on small-batch spirit production, mainly gin and vodka.
The distillery also consists of a bistro, stillhouse and art gallery, all adopting a distinct country theme using recycled railway sleepers and bricks.
Mr Yates, a former industrial chemist, said he first started his distilling journey as an 18-year-old making brandy for his mates to drink on weekends.
He never thought of owning a business quite like this.
“You dive into the deep end and swallow a lot of water before you swim,” Mr Yates said with a laugh.
“I bought this place for the superfund really, or maybe have a coffee shop. I never expected this.”
Mr Yates said initial spirit production will be focused on producing high-end premium gins with limited editions being released seasonally using a selection of local native foraged berries and botanicals.
He said gin was experiencing a “fascinating” renaissance.
“There are so many ways to enjoy gin now, the flavours are almost limitless, it’s a new found interest for a lot of people,” he said.
Mr Yates said the distillery had been incredibly well-received by the Pomona community, with “nothing else” like it in the suburb.
The venue can comfortably seat 100 people for lunch or dinner — or up to 130 people standing for a cocktail style function.
With an array of function spaces available, from small private functions to weddings, and craft-your-own-gin masterclasses, there is something for all demographics.
David Crisafulli declares he will fix the Bruce Hwy
David Crisafulli has declared, responding to a question from a Courier-Mail reader, that if the LNP wins goverment at the October 26 election, he can get the Bruce Hwy fixed.
Man’s watch-house drug deal fail for biscuits foiled by cops
A block layer who was placed in a Sunshine Coast police holding cell has had his secret prescription drug trade thwarted by eagle eyed watch-house officers.