As the fog lifts and restrictions start to ease, this winter is going to be one like no other. With restaurants, cafes and shops and ski resorts operating in a limited capacity, it’s hard to know what is going on. This is what a few of my favourites are doing as restrictions start to ease. Whatever you do this winter, make sure you book in advance!
During lockdown Karl of Jindabyne Brewing has been working at home and selling cans at the brewery. “We don’t have the capabilities to produce cans en masse, so it’s been very slow and steady,” he tells me over a middy of golden ale. “We’ve been doing cans for just over a year and it’s been going well, it’s definitely increased our market reach, so the challenge will be maintaining that while reopening. Obviously our flows over the bar won’t be the same with restrictions, but once they do ease up slowly, I expect production will be a little bit greater.” As of Wednesday 3rd June, the brewery will be opening for 50 people. Going back to old hours 3-9 but opening from midday over the long weekend. The previously share orientated menu will be adapted to be more meal focused than bar snacks, the lamb skewer with come with salad and fries. Make sure you book in advance and check insta for updates @jindabynebrewing
Operating as a hole in the wall for the last few months will continue for CBD given they have such a small space, with takeaway bagels 7-2 and coffee 7-3. Friday and Saturday nights order your takeaway cocktail in a jar (above) which you can collect or have delivered to your home.
As of Monday 1st June Tess and crew at Birchwood will have 30 seats inside and 16 outside and will still be doing full menu takeaway aswell. Open 7 days a week, 6.30 till 2 pm for food, 6.30 till 3 for coffee and cake. Over the last few months they have been doing takeaway 7 days. Things have been pretty good considering,” Tess tells me, “we had to cut back on a lot of staff like everyone else which was a bit sad but gradually it’s been getting busier, I’ve now employed a few and it’s been better than we were expecting at first. We are pretty lucky that people still want their coffee every day.”
As of last week The Market Jindabyne brought back the café as eat in with a new winter menu. The last few months of isolation have seen a new side of the business with massive demand for delivery of fruit and veg and most of the popular bulk, which has continued with delivery as far as Berridale. This winter, The Market will be delivering to Thredbo so when you arrive at your accommodation, your box of fruit/veg and a fresh loaf of small batch artisan sourdough bread from local Kalkite baker Ironpot Artisan will be there waiting. If you are in store, check out the new vintage section. Sheri is excited “I think we can all find silver lining in what’s happening.”
You can now purchase your Snowy Mountains Cookies at the Newsagent in the courtyard instead of the factory out at Leesville. Check out my previous blog on Nolen and Daisy Oayada of Snow Mountains Cookies.
Nicole and Craig at Jindy Sports will be open 7 days when the season starts for all of your equipment hire and outerwear and accessory sales.
Sam and Scott at Gravity will still be servicing bikes throughout winter, as well as selling skis and boots with fittings by appointment only. Check out their back country range
Jodie turned the entrance of Crackenback Farm into a food and wine shop with imported cheeses and wines, pasta, chutney’s, started making homemade pies, soups and a different takeaway menu every Friday as a way of adapting through isolation. Opening for lunch for diners the first time last week, Jodie is not sure what days she will open throughout the winter “we’re not quite sure yet what is happening on the mountain which will affect us quite considerably, but we’ll be open as much as we can, depending on the demand,” a defiant Jodie tells me. “I won’t be beaten”. The shop will be open 7 days with Friday takeaways and a delivery once a week advertised to Thredbo. Phone bookings only.
The Wildbrumby Distillery’s Gin has been going really well over the last few months, with a lot more bottle shops now carrying it through Canberra and down the coast. “What’s happened in the last few months with online sales, has changed the way we operate. Online has saved us,” Brad tells me. “People have been consuming higher quality alcohol. They’re not going out and instead of drinking a cheap bottle of wine, they’re drinking a gin and tonic, or making a cocktail and having something special at home.” Adapting to the situation, the Wild Brumby drive or ride through has been great for the local consumers. In June the drive through will be open Monday to Wednesday with Tom selling gin and schnapps as well as gourmet pies and sausage rolls, the Distillery will be open Thursday to Sunday with the normal menu, though there will be a few changes. The shared distillers plates will be individual and consumed in the newly renovated cocktail seated area. With more emphasis on afternoon and apres cocktails and tastings will have to be seated in the cocktail area. Bookings essential.
Di at Design & Detail has been busy with online orders, no rest for the wicked. Design & Detail will be open 7 days from the beginning of the ski season.
