The brick-and-timber buildings that comprise the old Commonwealth Acetate of Lime Factory have long been a hidden gem of Brisbane’s heritage trail. Since its construction in 1917, the site has had a myriad of occupants and uses – first as a production facility for acetate of lime (becoming one of Australia’s earliest alcohol distilleries), then as a naval barracks, a migrant hostel and the headquarters of Hans Continental Smallgoods. These days the buildings anchor the Heritage Quarter of Morningside’s Rivermakers precinct – a multifaceted collection of makers and creators that has slowly grown over the past few years. Those in the know will have already become acquainted with the first wave of the Heritage Quarter’s tenants, including Revel Brewing Co., Mas & Miek Ceramic House and Low N Slow Meat Co. Now the general public has the chance to explore the full depth of the precinct on Saturday April 9 for the Heritage Quarter Open Day.
The Heritage Quarter’s grounds will come alive from 11:00 am with an assortment of pop-up bars, live music, workshops, art showcases and food trucks. Revel Rivermakers Restaurant’s courtyard will hum with tasting sessions and guided brewery tours, while proceeds from the sale of Revel’s Sunset Haze IPA will be donated to flood-relief causes. Next door, soon-to-open Bavay Distillery will give attendees a glimpse inside its stillhouse and tasting room while also offering a taste of its debut range from its pop-up gin bar. Barbecue specialist and gourmet butcher Low N Slow Meat Co. will be slinging free sausages from 11:00 am to midday, before transitioning to hawking its low ’n’ slow-style meats, hosting steak workshops and running hamper giveaways. The caffeine crew from Fonzie Abbott will be on hand to satiate cappuccino cravings, while Margarita Margarita will also be shaking up some excellent cocktails for those seeking something a bit stiffer. Creative souls will gravitate towards Mas & Miek Ceramic House, which will be holding ceramic workshops, and the art showcase from A Secondary Eye. History buffs can sift through historical pieces at the Heritage Quarter archives exhibit, while information sessions will give locals a chance to have their say on the next wave of development. Oh, and did we mention the Heritage Quarter Open Day is a family affair? Little ones can expend some energy with lawn games and jumping castles at the Heritage Playground, while Gelato à go-go and Persys & Co will be on hand to dispense some tasty treats and sips.
Rivermakers’ Heritage Quarter Open Day will take place from 11:00 am to late on Saturday April 9.
