Townsville’s newest beer spot, Selwyn Nicholas brewing, preparing to open

Selwyn Nicholas brewing is in the final weeks of preparations before it plans to open its doors. See what to expect from the new brew.

A brewer has been busy tasting the best beers from around the country to inspire his own drop. Now the business owner is preparing to open his doors and give the Townsville community a taste.

Ian Smith has been on a long journey of learning, tasting and experiencing the best breweries in Australia since he decided to go all in on a new passion.

Now his dream of opening a brewery is coming to fruition with only a few weeks to go until the doors of Selwyn Nicholas Brewery open in Garbutt.

Ian Smith is opening a new brewery, Selwyn Nicholas brewing co. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Five years ago I was up in Cairns with my brother and we went out for a beer and we went out for beers at Macalister’s … they had just opened and I thought this is cool, I’m going to do this,” Mr Smith said.

“I went down to Ballarat to do a course in brewing … and it was so much fun.”

It took Mr Smith nearly two years to find the perfect venue in Townsville, before signing off on a fully airconditioned warehouse with a comfortable atmosphere.

With plans to open around Easter, Mr Smith has a simple dream of creating a space where people can have a quality beer and connect with each other.

“A brewery is where you go for a beer, it’s where you can sit down and talk across the table,” he said.

Ian Smith, owner of Selwyn Nicholas brewing co. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We’ve done plenty of brewery trips since I decided it was what I wanted to do and I’ve been to Ballarat, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Tablelands checking them all out and the one thing that I like is that everybody is off their phones.”

Mr Smith’s goal is to have 12 beers on tap, but will slowly work towards it as they settle into their opening hours.

“We’ll be able to present those unusual beers that you just can’t get unless you go to Belgium,” he said.

“I think Townsville is ready for a new one and the feedback from social media has been

outstanding.”

To ease the hunger of patrons, Mr Smith will be inviting local food trucks to serve a variety of different dishes.

To stay updated for opening dates check out their Instagram here.

Originally published as Townsville’s newest beer spot, Selwyn Nicholas brewing, preparing to open