A young Gresford couple are investing half a million dollars in Dungog with setting up and running a brewery.
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David Cox and his partner Haley Collis have bought the former mower shop on the corner of Dowling and Mackay streets with plans to turn it into a micro brewery, bar area, cafe and outdoor area.
The existing facade will remain relatively unchanged and internally the existing building will be refurbished to include the brewery and bar area as well as a cool room and commercial kitchen.
“About three years ago we decided we would start to make our dreams a reality, taking our 10-year hobby of home brewing to the next step – commercial production,” Haley said.
“Our plans are to have a cellar door style venue where we could produce craft beer right in front of our customers.
“It will be a small microbrewery that would produce fine ales, a place where customers could come in and watch their next brew being made and serving American-style, gastro pub-type food.”
The couple bought the building 18 months ago, seeing it as a real “beauty in the rough” and thought it would the perfect place to start their dreams and a great launching pad for the Tinshed Brewery.
“Originally we thought we might set up in wine country but when we saw this building for sale it suited us down to the ground,” said David, who is better known as Jimmy.
“Chichester [Dam] water is really good for brewing as it doesn’t have a high mineral content and it can be used straight from the tap.
“This was one of the biggest factors in deciding to set up in Dungog.
“While it has taken six months for the DA (development application) to be approved by Dungog Council, councillors voted unanimously for it to go through last Tuesday night.
“The support we have received around town, especially from older residents, has been amazing.
“While craft beer tends to appeal more to younger people, it’s the older ones who stop and ask us how our plans are going.
“We will have 10 taps rotating with a range of different beers including the classic pale ale, rich, bold and strong caramel smoked porter or something a little crazy and left of centre like pumpkin ale or a sour cherry beer.
“There are a lot of repairs to be done to the building but hopefully we will be open in time for Christmas.”
