Doubt over future of Adelaide Hills’ venue The Bridgewater Mill as Little Cog cafe closes

Mystery surrounds the future of the Adelaide Hills tourism drawcard – with patrons fearing they will not be able to redeem unused vouchers as rumours swirl on social media.

The Bridgewater Mill waterwheel.

Mystery surrounds the future of iconic Adelaide Hills drawcard The Bridgewater Mill – with patrons fearing they will not be able to redeem their unused vouchers – as the site’s adjoining cafe also closes its doors.

The popular restaurant and wedding venue, owned by SA winemaker Warren Randall, has been leased to catering group Taylor & Holmes since 2019.

A post on the Mill’s social media account in late September said the heritage-listed building was undergoing renovations and was closed for the “foreseeable future”.

Last week, the site’s beloved cafe, The Little Cog, also run by Taylor & Holmes, announced it was shutting up shop.

“Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported us over the last five years, we have enjoyed our time within the Adelaide Hills community,” said a post on the cafe’s Instagram page.

It’s believed the Mill’s lease, along with the cafe, has ended and was not renewed.

The Advertiser understands the Mill was closed in September, not for renovations but for general maintenance.

Locals say the heritage-listed building – originally built as a flour mill in 1860 – is falling into disrepair.

“The mill looks uncared for and all the signs have been removed. The glass front doors have been vandalised and parts of the deck. It is looking a mess,” said a post on the Adelaide Hills group chat.

The Bridgewater Mill waterwheel.

Former Bridgewater Milling Co. Ltd flour mill building in Bridgewater, South Australia up for sale. Used “The News” 12 Dec 1980. (Pic by unidentified staff photographer)

Patrons have expressed concerns they will be unable to redeem their unused dining vouchers for the Mill.

Locals have also speculated that Mr Randall, the owner of Seppeltsfield and Penny’s Hill winery, is turning the property into a private residence.

A spokeswoman for Mr Randall said the Mill’s building was currently “being maintained and future plans will be unveiled in 2024”.

Calls to catering group Taylor & Holmes have not been returned.

The Mill was bought and renovated in 1986 by a consortium led by former Petaluma winemaker Brian Croser.

It operated as a cellar door and highly regarded restaurant for more than two decades.

Mr Randall bought the property in 2014, announcing plans to revitalise the venue and host double the number of weddings and functions, along with an expansion of the kitchen.

Mr Randall and wife Nicolla also brought in acclaimed architect Max Pritchard, who was responsible for the transformation of Seppeltsfield and Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge, to design a new outdoor deck.

In 2019, he leased the Mill to catering group Taylor & Holmes, a family outfit run by Kate and Greg Hobby, along with their daughter Tori.