Yes it’s true … on the 29th June, 2002 the Country Brewer opened its doors at Bathurst!

It was 4 months prior that a man formally dressed walked into our Thornleigh shop carrying a brief case … he sort of looked familiar but looked out of place in our surroundings (Enter Brian Noyes) we’ve had a long association with Brian but had never seen him dressed formally before, or without a beer in his hand!

“I have a proposition for you guys”, he said.
I don’t know about you, but every time I hear that line, I know it’s going to cost me!

“We’re listening!” we said, knowing all too well what was coming next.

“I think you guys should open a shop at Bathurst … and I’ll run it for you!”
   

(Yep, back to eating sausages)

“Sounds interesting”, we said. (Maybe we can have mince occasionally)

The next hour and a half we were given the full run down, population, rent, demographics, location, and the full Bathurst history back to the turn of the century!

Bathurst was screaming for a brew shop and we had contemplated setting one up there before knowing that with the right person running it, it would do well … but it always posed the problem of finding the right person.

Needless to say, 4 months later we loaded up a small convoy chock  a  block full of stock, and headed off the Bathurst!

The plan was to leave early Thursday morning, build all the shelves, benches etc and stock the shop ready to open on the Saturday morning … that’s only 5 days work squeezed into 2 days! Many of the locals had a pool going that there was no way we were going to be ready.

We arrived in Bathurst at 9am to the coldest morning they had for 17 years … -7 degrees!

OHMYGOD!!!!! There was an icicle hanging out of the tap in the toilet block!!!!! I don’t think I can adequately express how cold it was without swearing!

For 2 days it was a cloud of saw dust. My mother hadn’t heard so much swearing before and I believe is still recovering from the experience. The quote of the day: - “I’ve never heard your father say that in our 38 years of marriage”, we might add he was provoked by Rob.

All up, we worked like dogs and the grand opening was a complete success.

So if you in that part of the world … drop in! 231 Russell St, Bathurst. (02) 6332-1422.