How To Revive A Historic Country Hotel

“I like to say we’re the only pub in the world that’s a pub, police station and morgue in the same room.”

One of the key figures in Sydney’s craft beer boom was Brad Flowers. He didn’t brew beer or run a venue, but through his distribution business he put beers from dozens of Australia’s indie brewers onto taps and into fridges, while also running some seriously ambitious events.

Brad, it’s fair to say, also enjoyed the fruits of his labour as much as anyone in and around the industry, with tales of his escapades – often in cahoots with his beer “family” – becoming the stuff of legend.

So, had you asked those who knew him to predict where he’d be in 2025, we doubt anyone would have said: “Running a historic pub in the middle of nowhere.” Yet, thanks to the most wonderful turn of events during the early months of the COVID pandemic, that’s what transpired.

James joined Brad and wife Nicole at the Overland Corner Hotel in SA’s Riverland region to hear how they ended up swapping city life for bucolic pleasures. It’s a swap they’ve managed with aplomb, turning a rundown, haunted old hotel into an award-winning destination popular with everyone from grey nomads camping on the adjacent Murray to ravers attracted by the huge events they put on in the quarry from which the stone that built the pub was hewn.

They offer great insight into building a regional hospo success story with craft beer at its heart while hinting at even greater plans for the future.

Prior to the main interview, James joins Will from Windjana Gorge for a look back at the week on Crafty, covering Kylie Lethbridge’s decision to step down as CEO of the Independent Brewers Association, the rebirth of the oldest brewery building on the mainland, the launch of an Aussie mezcal brand, the arrival on The Crafty Pint of Devilbend Farm Beer, and Will’s co-hosting of an upcoming event featuring Bendigo Brewing and Seven Sheds.

Start of segments:

• 17:06 – Grainstock 2025 Teaser 2
• 21:22 – Brad & Nicole Part 1
• 51:54 – Beer30 on Purchasing
• 60:00 – Brad & Nicole Part 2

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