Wonders of Winnellie
The industrial ‘burb of Winnellie has become somewhat of a hip and happening place, with exciting and enticing foodie haunts dotted throughout.
From eggs and coffee for brekkie, to beer and pizza for lunch, to afternoon nibbles and a few mixed concoctions, a day in Winnellie is a day well spent.
By Tierney Seccull
Besser Kitchen and Brew Bar opened its doors in February 2016, a sister biz to Laneway in Parap. Proud co-owner Danni Mann says they wanted their customers to experience an element of surprise.
“We liked the idea of finding something unexpected – a hidden oasis amongst the industrial area. When people open the front door they are pleasantly surprised to see what is inside,” she says.
“It’s such a beautiful light filled space … We kept some of the original exposed besser brick, and chose a lot of light timber and steel to compliment an industrial but fresh look. Plus, there is so much parking, which makes it so convenient for our customers to pop in.”
The Trader Winnellie Road opened their doors the same year, another example of a diamond in the rough. In 2017, Bardy Bayram and Stuart Brown also set up their Brolga award-winning One Mile Brewing Co in the industrial suburb.
“We were looking for a little while, then Stuey found this place, and I said, ‘yeah, that’s the place I wanted to show you!’ I think we both knew what we were looking for, so if we were both keen, then that’s a good sign,” Bardy laughs.
“It wasn’t originally open to the public when we started brewing ... It was at the end of 2017 that we sold our first beers here, in just a small area that was only for about 28 people,” Stu adds.
Since then, the space has doubled, then tripled in size, serving hot food and cold beers from Thursdays through ‘til Saturdays, regularly putting on gigs, quiz nights and events.
Over on Benison Road, in convenient close proximity, is catering biz Pony & Sid and Willing Distillery. Pony & Sid owner Eliza McClelland says the location is handy to everything.
“Winnellie is a convenient little sweet spot to the city, the suburbs and beyond. We are also so lucky to be so close to so many skilled trades literally right next door. It’s a working area for every trade and we love it.”
The idea of utilising nearby resources extends beyond trades.
“We work with the Willing Distillery team to provide catering, often canapés, antipasto or grazing, which is so fun and convenient as we are right next door.”
Dave Willing, head honcho of the award-winning gin distillery, agrees convenience comes with the Winnellie territory.
“I needed a large space, and setting up a distillery in a light industrial area in the Territory is a permitted use, so there was no need for a development application. It meant we could get up-and-running quickly. Now that we are here, we love it,” he says.
Keeping things local, in addition to utilising the services of Pony & Sid, the distillery stocks brews from the boys down the road at One Mile.
“We only stock NT craft beer. We make a craft product as well, so it makes sense to us to support the broader craft industry.”
If you’ve got a bit of time up your sleeve this silly season, pay Winnellie a visit, and give local biz in the ‘burbs a bit of lovin’.
Wonders of Winnellie
WHEN OPEN HOURS VARY DURING DEC & JAN
INFO besserbrewbar.com.au | onemilebrewery.com.au | ponyandsid.com | willingdistillery.com.au
