Adelaide’s newest brewpub Sparkke at the Whitmore has revamped a historic hotel and ignited a social revolution with the world’s best conversation starter – beer.
The first brewpub for female founded and led social enterprise Sparkke Change Beverage Co, Sparkke at the Whitmore will open on International Women’s Day (Friday, 8 March 2019).
Award-winning Sparkke head brewer Agi Gajic – who produces the brand’s core brewed range – is planning her first run through the new two-vessel 800 litre nano brewery: output about 1000 kegs a year.
“We estimate we’ll consume about 600 of those in the pub and the balance will be sold wholesale to independent bars and restaurants,” Agi says.
She’s focusing on core range production while commissioning the brewery, having recently released a Strawberry Balsamic Blonde Ale inspired by Melbourne chocolaterie Hey Tiger, with 20 per cent of direct sales donated to Women in Focus Giving Community.
“Local and national collaboration is a big part of who we are and what we do – our 100 per cent natural beer, wine, cider and hard lemonade each raise funds and awareness for a dedicated cause,” Agi says.
“We can’t wait to open the doors and share this new venue with everyone, to enjoy quality products from crafty like-minded producers, and give punters an inclusive, nurturing space.
“It’s an exciting time for the Sparkke family.”
Sparkke at the Whitmore’s impressively petite menu has a sustainable focus and vegetarian base – always with a meaty option – and bold cocktails feature in the up-lit downstairs bar beside Agi’s magic metal brew lab.
The venue has a lift for full wheelchair access, and features reclaimed and sustainable materials, boutique and large function rooms, and preserved historic architecture.
General manager Alison James says the renovation revealed secrets up to 150-years-old, including a mesmerising shingle ceiling and a “pub within a pub”.
“We discovered an external wall inside the building, from its first life as the Queens Arms Tavern – licensed to Thomas Maslin in 1838, two years after Adelaide was colonised – that had been enveloped in a previous build,” she says.
“We have preserved several awesome historic finds, along with the building’s striking ironstone facade.”
Sparkke launched in November 2016 with the largest online pre-sale alcohol campaign in Australia.
