Brisbane Airport opens Never Never distillery
Asahi Group has joined forces with Brisbane Airport to open a gin distillery and brewery as part of a new complex.
The Australian airport announced plans to open a ‘one-of-a-kind’ entertainment destination, called Landers Pocket, last year.
The new site opened its doors this week, complete with a distillery, brewery, 800-capacity venue, beer garden, gastropub dining and several event spaces.
The airport is now home to a Never Never gin distillery and a 4 Pines Brewery site as part of the project. Both brands are owned by Asahi Group.
At the time of the announcement, the distillery and brewery were set to be run by another Asahi-owned brand, Green Beacon Brewing Company.
Once fully completed, Landers Pocket will also feature padel courts, a Kick-n-Catch play zone and a 3,000-capacity amphitheatre, alongside a 1,000-person lawn that can host festivals, market pop-ups and family-friendly activations.
Golf Central’s existing golf driving range at the airport has also doubled in size and includes ball tracking in every bay.
James Cooper, managing director at Landers Pocket, said: “Our vision for Landers Pocket is to create a truly unique entertainment destination – a place that celebrates award-winning beer and gin, new-wave golf and elevated dining. This is just the beginning.”
The new venue offers several cocktails including a Dry Martini, Dirty Martini and Negroni, all made with Never Never gins. Other drinks on the menu include Never Never’s Triple Juniper Gin and tonic, Oyster Shell Gin and yuzu tonic, and Ginache Gin and lemon squash.
Scott Norris, executive general manager commercial at Brisbane Airport, hopes the new hub will provide a destination for local residents.
“This vibrant new hub is for everyone, whether you’re touching down, taking off or simply dropping in for an afternoon of sunshine and craft pours in the beer garden,” he added.
Brisbane Airport is celebrating its 100th birthday this year and is undergoing an AU$5 billion (US$3.2bn) transformation across the precinct in the next five years.
The Australasian arm of Asahi Group purchased Australian gin producer Never Never Distilling Co for an undisclosed sum last year.
The co-founder of Never Never recently discussed the firm’s first move into vodka and how Asahi is helping the business tap into new opportunities.
Sydney-based 4 Pines joined Asahi’s portfolio in 2020 as part of a deal to buy Australian company Carlton & United Breweries.
In 2019, Asahi acquired Brisbane’s Green Beacon Brewing Company.
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