Images: Supplied.
A new bistro at the historic Jacka Brother’s Brewery in Melrose is preparing to welcome diners, bringing a new dining experience to the Southern Flinders Ranges.
Opening in the coming weeks, the venue offers what venue manager Paige Emmett describes as a “next level dining experience.”
She added that the owners had long envisioned creating a dining destination that celebrates the area’s produce and landscape.
“We wanted to create a beautiful bistro space for the region,” she said.
“It was always the vision to offer something for both locals and tourists who come through Melrose and the Southern Flinders Ranges, highlighting the amazing seasonal and local produce in the area and incorporating Australian native ingredients into the menu.”
Leading the kitchen is executive chef Gursu Mertel, a two-hatted chef with more than 20 years of experience across Australia, Asia and the Middle East, including running award-winning Sydney restaurants.
After spending years working in metropolitan kitchens, Mertel said the opportunity to create something special in Melrose aligned perfectly with his own vision.
“There’s a lot of good local produce here, from lamb to beef and vegetables,” he said.
“We are working with local suppliers and using Australian native ingredients from bush tomatoes to lemon myrtle, honey myrtle and pepperberries.”
Mertel added that the closest location for something “beyond pub meals” is in the Clare Valley, a one and a half hour drive away.
“Now we’re bringing that kind of experience to Melrose.”
The menu will feature modern Australian cuisine with a rustic approach, with dishes expected to include braised lamb shoulder, oysters and kangaroo.
“The approach is modern Australian cuisine, but not being too fine dining, still keeping a bit of a rustic look,” Mertel said.
The dining room has been designed to feel warm and welcoming, with a central fireplace, large windows overlooking Mount Remarkable, and an open kitchen where guests can watch meals being prepared.
“It’s as if you’re cooking in your own home,” Mertel said.
“Guests will be able to see the chef cooking in the kitchen while enjoying a very cosy atmosphere.”
The bistro will operate Thursday to Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches, offering two and three-course menus alongside full table service.
The venue forms part of the historic Jacka Brothers Brewery site, which sits beneath the iconic five-storey stone tower built in 1877.
Originally established as a flour mill, the site became home to the Jacka Brothers Brewery in 1893 before operations ceased in the 1930s.
Ten years ago, current owners Dale and Michelle Hobbs purchased the property and began restoring the site, reintroducing Jacka Brothers Brewery to the region.
Today, the destination offers craft beverages, accommodation and wood-fired pizzas, with the new bistro marking its next chapter.
Jacka Brothers Bistro
When: Opening in the coming weeks
Where: 9 Lambert St, Melrose SA 5483
For more information, click here.
