By Stefanie Collins, editor b&c
Lion announced late last week that it would be making its first investment in recent craft beer acquisition, Byron Bay Brewing Co.
The investment takes the form of a refurbishment of the existing venue, bringing the beer and the brewery to the “forefront” of its offering.
Lion believes that the refurbished venue will off an new experience for visitors as well as showcasing a new menu that will focus on local produce, and getting visitors up close to the brewing experience.
According to Gordon Treanor, craft marketing director at Lion, the refurbishment will rejuvenate the venue as well as showing off the historical bones of the building.
“When we announced Byron Bay Brewing Co. would be joining Lion we spoke about a potential refurbishment and we feel now is the right time to move forward with that investment, ahead of the key trading period over summer,” he says.
“While we are renovating over the next couple of months we will also be working with the brewing team on how we can continue to build on the quality beers brewed at the venue, while also looking at how we can engage the local community in the future.”
The renovations will include a temporary closure of the bar and restaurant, beginning 26 June 2016, with a reopening date pegged for some time in early spring. Lion notes that other businesses in the shared building will continue to operate as normal and the brewery will continue to supply existing customers during the closure.
“We understand there will be some disappointment that the restaurant and bar will be closed for a few months, but we want to reassure the community that this investment will ensure we can continue to deliver a great experience to locals and bring more visitors closer to the brewery,” says Treanor.
“We also understand the important role the brewery plays in the local area and we want that to continue. We have a great track record with our other venues across the country, including our Little Creatures breweries in Fremantle and Geelong, which have grown within their communities following our investments.”
A firmer reopening date will be announced closer to the time.