Beautiful things are brewing in Melrose, at the foot of Mount Remarkable in the Southern Flinders Ranges, where Jacka Brothers Brewery is preparing to unveil its brand-new Brewery Bistro.
Due to open in early 2026, the Brewery Bistro has been years in the making. The family behind the project is reimagining what was once the brewery’s old machinery shed, creating a sixty-seat space that celebrates both the landscape and the region’s history.
The bistro design will bring warmth and texture together with natural light, Tasmanian oak floors, and wide windows that frame the rugged mountain views.
Bringing the vision to life has taken both patience and precision from husband and wife team Dale and Michelle Hobbs.
“It will be historic and welcoming,” says Michelle.
“People will feel the beauty of the room as soon as they walk in. It’s a space that speaks of the landscape.”
The new addition connects directly to the brewery’s Taphouse bar through timber doors that echo the heritage of the original tower.
An exposed stone wall runs the length of the bistro, giving the room a timeless sense of strength and character. It’s a feature that will make the space just as suitable for relaxed lunches as it is for weddings and private celebrations.
Creating a new doorway between the buildings meant cutting through walls more than two feet thick, a task that required expert hands.
“It was a real challenge,” Michelle says.
“Our local builder Pat Smart and engineer Damien Aspinall have done an incredible job. They’ve managed to protect the history while making the space modern and functional.”
Once open, the bistro will focus on honest, wholesome food made with South Australian produce. The menu is still under wraps, but the team promises seasonal dishes and flavours that feel deeply connected to the land.
“We want the food to reflect this place,” Michelle says.
“Everything will be fresh, earthy and nourishing, with a wine list that showcases the best of our local vineyards.”
There will be a central fireplace, native-inspired bathrooms and old-world craftsmanship throughout. It will be the kind of place where long afternoons stretch into evenings filled with conversation, laughter and good wine.
As the final touches are made to the Brewery Bistro, excitement across Melrose is growing. For the Hobbs family, it marks the next chapter in their love story with one of South Australia’s most recognisable regional landmarks.
That same care being given to the Brewery Bistro flows through the entire property, renown for its weddings and events.
Downstairs, the original beer cellar has become an atmospheric function room that flickers to life with candles and soft lighting.
Upstairs, the former bottling plant now offers accommodation with a bridal suite, three ensuite rooms and a bright central space where bridal parties can get ready together.
“We’re passionate about heritage restoration,” Dale says.
“We weren’t going to turn this into anything other than restoring it within keeping of the original character.”
Each wedding at Jacka Brothers Brewery is tailored and personal, with multiple ceremony options including the new Brewery Bistro, the lawns, courtyards or even a neighbouring paddock beneath a grand old gum tree.
“People don’t have to worry about logistics,” Dale explains. “We run the bar, the facilities, everything. And it’s an exclusive venue. We shut down to the public for every wedding.”
“We are very excited to soon open another heritage space for visitors, events and weddings with the Brewery Bistro,” Dale says.
That passion shows in every stone. Downstairs, the original beer cellar has become an atmospheric function room that flickers to life with candles and soft lighting.
Upstairs, the former bottling plant is now accommodation with a bridal suite, three ensuite rooms and a light-filled space where bridesmaids or groomsmen can get ready together.
Jacka Brothers Brewery
Where: 9 Lambert St, Melrose (approximately 3 hours drive from Adelaide)
When: Open 7 Days. 11am-9pm
For more information, click here.
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