Restaurateur outlines micro-brewery plans

Jack Spratt’s Brewery and Cider Company, Geraldton’s first micro-brewery, could be a reality in 12-18 months.

Boat Shed restaurant founder John Mitchell is the man behind the project, which will be built in the original Boat Shed location between Toyota and the current Boat Shed restaurant building in Marine Tce.

Mr Mitchell, who also started Montego’s (now Tides) says the refi t of the building to include the beer vats would take between 12 and 18 months, depending on approvals from the City of Greater Geraldton.

He will be applying for a liquor licence for upwards of 200 patrons and is planning simple but fresh food, including locally-supplied seafood, woodfired pizzas, chilli-mussels and home-made bread.

“This will be a great location where anyone can come in, get a locally-brewed beer or cider and have a feed without worry,” Mr Mitchell said.

Since his last hospitality ventures Mr Mitchell been involved in farm machinery sales and property development.

“I am really looking forward to this and when I finally came up with the name, well the syndicate just said ‘yep, beautiful’.”

He said Jack Spratts would serve five different beers and two ciders — all in draft form to begin with.

“These micro-breweries are really taking off. Look at Matso’s and Cheeky Monkey,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Geraldton people will love this.”