The transformation of one of the region’s most historic pubs into Queensland’s first home for a famed Western Australian brewery is underway.
Big plans have been brewing for Joe’s Waterhole at Eumundi since it was sold for $5.3 million to Good Drinks Australia Ltd in 2021.
Late last year the company revealed it would revamp the hotel into a hospitality venue and microbrewery for the well-known Broome brand Matso’s.
Good Drinks had been operating Joe’s in its original form until it got the green light for the new project from Sunshine Coast Council in April.
Coinciding with the announcement that the new venue is set to be pokie-free, Good Drinks head of hospitality Lee Behan revealed construction had just begun, on schedule, for the brewery.
He said the recent sale of the pub’s gaming licences – which were included in the original acquisition – would help to fund the estimated $5.5 million redevelopment.
The heritage-listed pub dates back to the 1890s when it was the Commercial Hotel, but Mr Behan confirmed they would be retaining some of that history in its transformation.
“The demolition of some buildings and the de-fit of Joe’s started last week,” he said last week.
“Things are happening on site.
“As we go and we remove things from some of the venue, it does it does feel like you’re removing some of that nostalgia around certain elements to the pub,” he said.
“For us, the goal is keeping the venue’s history and heritage and working with our brand to create a place people will love.
“We want to make sure that we keep Joe’s’ traditional front bar exactly as is and also bring in our Matso’s vibes to the whole space.”
He said the team was aiming for construction of the new brewery to be completed in October.
“That’s with all going well and with making sure we can source all the materials we need and get everything on track,” he said.
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“With any project, timing is always a difficult one to say, but we will be in the midst of the refurbishment in about a month’s time.”
To continue the musical tradition of its heyday, live music will still be a big element of the new venue.
“The real focus will be having a great front bar for locals to enjoy and keeping that real heart of Eumundi there,” Mr Behan said.
“Then the back bistro will be really focused on food and a great dining experience and the brewery, with the offering of some amazing fruit-driven beers.
“The outdoor area will have a kids’ play area and will be really family friendly, as well as a stage that has live music potential for big and small events.
“Patrons can chill out in the backyard and have a beautiful ginger beer while listening to some great music. It is very exciting, we can’t wait.”
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