The Blue Mountains first brew pub will open in Katoomba later this year thanks to a NSW Government grant announced by Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres.
Housed in a heritage-listed building that is currently being restored, Mountain Culture’s brewpub will showcase a variety of beers that have been brewed on site using local ingredients and a natural culture/yeast only found in the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains. This brewing process is a first for the region and a welcome addition to the Blue Mountains visitor economy.
Minister Ayres said visitors can sample the craft beers, enjoy great food and go behind the scenes with brewery tours designed to lift the veil on brewing practises.
“This is exactly the type of tourism offering that the Product Development Fund was created for – a uniquely local venue providing another reason to visit and stay in the beautiful Blue Mountains,
“The rise in popularity of small independent breweries shows no sign of slowing down and this is a great example of how to bring a new experience to an established tourism destination,” Mr Ayres said.
The project is supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, through the 2019 Regional Tourism Fund.
Founders DJ and Harriet McCready were delighted to receive the grant which is designed to support New Products and Experiences that drive overnight visitation.
Harriet commented, “A brewery is extremely capital intensive so to receive a Destination NSW grant has been massive for us. We’re excited at the opportunity to attract more visitors to the area and for them to have a really fun and unique experience at our brewery – one that they’ll remember long after they say goodbye.”
DJ says, “My number one priority has always been to brew the best beer in the world and to do so, I knew I needed to be in a place that I was really inspired by. The Blue Mountains is that place. There’s a lot of reasons to visit the area but the Destination NSW grant will go a long way to help make Mountain Culture a destination in and of itself, one that’s worth travelling to.”
Mountain Culture worked closely with Destination Sydney Surrounds North (DSSN) through the grants process. DSSN’s General Manager Glenn Caldwell commented, “It was a pleasure to work with Harriet through the funding process. Mountain Culture’s addition to the Blue Mountains Tourism portfolio reflects the need for new businesses outlined in the DSSN Destination Management Plan.”
