Australia: The Illawarra hotel to grow and distil produce and spirits
Already, the small parcel of land is supplying a good chunk of the pub kitchen with herbs such as basil, parsley, cos lettuce, chives and tomatoes.
By Connor Pearce
Farm Online
17 Apr 2022
Excerpt:
One of the places that ended up leading to was passionfruit. According to Mr Aitchison, the only adequate passionfruit liqueur available is produced internationally, and passionfruit cocktails are increasingly popular.
“We have the ability to produce it all here because passionfruits grow like crazy and produce fruit all year round,” he said.
In addition to closing the loop on spirits and produce at the pub, Mr Aitchison has found the idea of growing their own food and drink has energised his staff.
At a time when the hospitality industry is facing a critical staff shortage, the proposition of tending to the vines in between shifts behind the bar, or cultivating herbs when out of the kitchen, has attracted talent.
“We’ve just found a great chef, in a time where no one can seem to, because she loves gardening and the idea of being able to farm her own food,” Mr Aitchison said.
Ultimately, Mr Aitchison said he wants the whole of Wollongong to benefit.
“It’s just really cool to live in a city where you can walk down the street and eat some fresh stuff. I think it’ll add to the Wollongong experience.”
