Rainy revival: How Hemingway’s harnesses the wet season's calm for a fresh 2024 start
BUSINESS FEATURE
As the tropical wet season approaches, most businesses throughout the Douglas Shire are preparing to slow down but one Port Douglas institution has a different idea. Hemingway’s Brewery is not merely bracing for the anticipated lull but actively leveraging this period to regroup in order to emerge even stronger in 2024.
Fans of the local brewery can rejoice in the fact that, unlike some businesses around town, Hemingway’s will remain open over the summer months, happily adapting to the change in seasons.
Continuing to trade seven days a week, the biggest change will be a culinary shift towards a pizzeria concept. Offering up to 10 different pizzas complimented by a selection of fresh salads and sides, the streamlined menu reflects the warmer weather and logistic needs of fewer customers and staff.
The upstairs cocktail bar, SAILS, will close for walk-ins from early January however, will still be available for group bookings and events with the brief hiatus allowing management to prepare for some big things to come in 2024.
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Hemingway’s Brewery wet season hours will be in place from January 8th – March 17th. The bar will operate 7 days per week from 12pm– 9pm with the kitchen open for food service from 12pm-3pm and 5pm–8pm. For more info and to view the menu click here.
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Each month, a 4-course degustation will take place in the bright, open eatery pairing wines from around the world with a thoughtfully designed menu which Hemingway’s Head of Hospitality, Roman Haslinger, said is an exciting instalment for the new wine and cocktail lounge.
“The plan is to hold a special, ticketed event each month at SAILS whether it be a degustation or a product launch,” explained Mr. Haslinger. “There will definitely be a Caribbean-themed party for local distillery, Devils Thumb’s first rum release which we’re all really excited about,” he explained.
Mr Haslinger continued, saying this year’s wet season strategy is important for the long-term plan going forward – a plan that focuses heavily on culinary excellence.
“As much as wet season is a challenge it also gives us the time to have a bit of a breather from the day-to-day and instead focus on creating and working on ways to improve,” he explained.
“We have lots of fun things in the works but our focus over the wet season will be on forming our new menu and training our core team to ensure we are delivering exceptional food and service no matter what”.
Putting together a strong back-of-house team has been a priority for Hemingway’s and at the helm of the revamp is newly appointed Head Chef, Karel Polo. Originally from Peru, Karel brings with him a wealth of knowledge and passion for food and the best bit - he plans to stick around.
“Being in a small town, we’ve had many challenges over the past few years to find long-term staff which then impacts our consistency and quality,” admits Mr Haslinger. “We now have a number of very talented, dedicated staff to add to our core team and we plan to use this quieter period to train them to ensure consistently high standards for next season”.
Hemingway’s Brewery wet season hours will be in place from January 8th – March 17th. The bar will operate 7 days per week from 12pm– 9pm with the kitchen open for food service from 12pm-3pm and 5pm–8pm. For more info and to view the menu click here.
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