“When people heard we were putting a microbrewery in a town of 200 people, they said we were crazy. We thought, let’s give it a crack anyway.” – Mike Webster
Turning a heritage listed general store into a brewery and café in a small town is a daunting task, but Mike and Wendy Webster were up for the challenge. Mike grew up visiting Christmas Creek and surrounding areas in the Scenic Rim for family holidays and he and his wife Wendy continued the tradition with their own kids.
In 2006 they built a property in the area and visited frequently from their home in Brisbane, but in 2012 they decided to make the move to the place they wanted to call home, Moogerah.
The pair then fell in love with a heritage building in Mount Alford and knew it had to be theirs. In 2014, Mike and Wendy bought the store and began the long renovation process. Two years later, the family-owned and operated Scenic Rim Brewery and café was ready to open its doors and since then it has become an institution.
For Mike, the chance to combine his love for building and brewing, while creating a tourist destination in the little town of Mount Alford, was a no brainer.
The Websters wanted to ensure Scenic Rim Brewery could be enjoyed by families and beer enthusiasts, so they created a welcoming space with a range of drink and food options.
The café’s menu includes Bratwurst hotdogs, the ultimate Chiko Roll and speciality Dutch Bitterballen croquettes, a crowd favourite.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy watching the sunset from the picturesque back deck, while sipping locally brewed craft beer and enjoying the menu.
And what is it that the Websters love so much about the Scenic Rim?
“We love the friendliness of the people, shared love for good customer service and great food and beer that you can’t find anywhere else but the Scenic Rim,” Mike said.
“Our region’s lifestyle is full of connection. Locals always pop in to say hi to Wendy and I, we look after each other. That’s what we want our visitors to feel when they stop in for a cold one, that feeling of community and hospitality.”
To learn more about Scenic Rim Brewery, or to book a table at this Scenic Rim institution, visit the Scenic Rim Brewery website..
