Mount Gambier’s first CBD craft brewery has captured the attention of the Limestone Coast, attracting patrons from across the region.
The Woolstore Brewery, which fronts Mount Gambier’s picturesque Rail Lands precinct, has been warmly welcomed by the community and proved a popular spot since its opening day.
The brainchild of Mount Gambier couple Chris and Kylie Ind, the new brewery features a rustic atmosphere coupled with a range of craft beers brewed on site.
The Inds have spent several years researching the best in brews, visiting numerous venues around Australia to hone their design ideas and ensuring their brewery not only enhanced the rail lands, but brought a new, fun vibe to the precinct.
Breathing new life into the bones of the building was a labour of love for the Inds and their three sons as they set about transforming the site into a family-friendly venue where locals can come together.
The sun-soaked north facing deck, which was the original railway loading dock, is the first thing that people visiting the brewery see and patrons are welcome to bring their dogs along.
Mrs Ind said it was amazing to see the brewery full of people.
“The town has been amazing, the whole community has been amazing,” she said.
“They have just embraced it so much.”
“Family, especially our three sons, friends and local tradespeople constructed the brewery, it was a real team effort.
“We rebuilt the deck on one side to create an outdoor space. People can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine while kids play on the rail lands and there is plenty of seating indoors.
“It’s been amazing to see it all come together and we have just opened a function area which will allow for group bookings and extra seating.”
Mrs Ind has undertaken all the latest study in the art of brewing and has been perfecting her ales to appeal to all tastes.
Given that her brews are made on site, Mrs Ind can be found behind the bar honing her craft.
“When you come in, you can really see everything and we can talk you through how we make it,” Mrs Ind said.
“We currently have four beers on tap, including a pacific-style tradies ale, a pale ale, a smash ale and a stout.”
Alongside beer, they sell Ciderday Cider and SMASH Seltzer from Caveton, Side Project Ciders from Kalangadoo, Mahalia coffee, tea, Mike’s Beef Jerky from Robe and Molony’s soft drinks.
Mrs Ind said people were welcome to bring food such as share platters and order local take-away to the brewery.
“We’re really passionate about making a community space and making somewhere the community can come together,” she said.
“We want to promote local, we make some amazing stuff in the Limestone coast and that’s what we want people eating and drinking.”
The brewery is a homely, relaxed space furnished with old tables and chairs.
Mrs Ind said the family loved the old building so much they wanted to maintain the industrial railway character as much as possible, including special touches to the interior such as copper piping.
“We have tried to make the atmosphere as welcoming as we can,” Mrs Ind said.
“We wanted to walk in and instantly feel at home, it’s very inviting.”
The Woolstore Brewery logo was designed with the building’s history in mind and is based on a ram’s head, which continues the theme of the Woolstore story.
The Adelaide Wool logo can be seen on the Margaret Street side of the building, which Mrs Ind said they kept as part of the history of the building.
