Images: Jacka Brother’s Brewery (provided).
With Mount Remarkable framed through the windows, a fire burning inside and a two-hatted chef in the kitchen, the next chapter of Jacka Brothers Brewery has officially opened in Melrose.
Bistro @ Jacka’s began welcoming diners on Thursday, July 23, bringing full table service and a modern Australian menu to the historic Southern Flinders Ranges property.
Led by Executive Chef Gürsu Mertel, the new restaurant is designed to offer something a little different to the region’s traditional pub fare, with seasonal South Australian produce and local and native ingredients taking centre stage.
Mertel brings more than two decades of hospitality experience across Australia, Asia and the Middle East to the kitchen, and has twice been recognised with two Chef Hats.
For the chef, the move to Melrose was an opportunity to work closely with the produce of the region while filling what he saw as a gap in its dining scene.
“There’s a lot of good local produce here, from lamb to beef and vegetables,” Mertel said.
“We are working with local suppliers and using Australian native ingredients from bush tomatoes to lemon myrtle, honey myrtle and pepperberries.”
The menu is designed to showcase those flavours throughout the dining experience, with the team using local lamb, beef and vegetables alongside native Australian ingredients.
“We opened our doors about a month ago and are excited to share our menu that incorporates local and native ingredients,” Mertel said.
“From bread and butter through to desserts, you can taste the flavours of the Southern Flinders Ranges.”
Bistro @ Jacka’s is the latest addition to the Hobbs family’s long-running transformation of the historic Jacka Brothers property.
Owners Dale and Michelle Hobbs have spent years restoring the site, which began life as a flour mill before becoming Jacka Brothers Brewery.
The property has since evolved into a broader destination incorporating the restored brewery and Taphouse, wood fired pizza, accommodation, weddings and events; and now, a dedicated, chef led restaurant.
The new bistro occupies a more elevated space within the property, with a fireplace, large bifold windows, and sweeping views across Mount Remarkable.
Venue manager Paige Emmett said the response since opening had reinforced the team’s vision.
“The Bistro @ Jacka’s is a destination. We’re bringing exceptional food and a stunning venue to the Southern Flinders Ranges,” Emmett said.
“We are so proud to offer this type of dining experience to our customers.”
She said tourists had already described it as “the best meal in the Flinders”.
Bistro @ Jacka’s
When: Dinner from Thursday to Saturday starting at 5:30pm, and lunch on Sunday starting at 12:00 pm.
Where: 9–11 Lambert Street, Melrose
To find out more, click here.
