Name: Deb Murray
Title: General Manager of the Queenscliffe Brewhouse
How have you been enjoying Low Light Queenscliff Festival so far?
Love this festival and once again Sacred Edge was an amazing tribute to diversity with some incredible performances. We particularly enjoyed Mojo Juju.
What separates it from other events?
Low Light is a culmination of bespoke events, warming up all the senses over winter. The festival incorporates, with equal weight, all the arts along with a myriad of unique culinary experiences.
Tell us a little bit about Queenscliff Brewhouse…
We are a unique experience destination with something for every palate. One of the original grand old buildings established in 1879, we house a brewery, distillery, bistro, bar, beer garden, whisky bar & fine dining restaurant.
We have the region’s largest cellar door and tasting room showcasing local wine, craft beer, artisan produce and a gin bar with a fabulous range of Australian gins.
You host live music weekly – why is that important to Queenscliff Brewhouse?
Our business is all about providing a haven of great comfort and experiences to reinvigorate peoples mind and soul. Great food, beer, wine, gin, whisky, educational experiences along with live local music is all a major part of this mantra.
“We are also passionate about providing an avenue for the regions up and coming performers to showcase their talents and support their journey. Besides our local line up on the weekends we also host the local Bellarine Secondary College music students every Thursday. Some have then gone on to perform for us in our professional weekend line-up.
What can punters expect from your Whisky & Gin Masterclass during Low Light Queenscliff Festival?
Delicious award-winning gins and whisky’s. Stories and information from the makers and industry experts. Matched tapas to enhance the experience. A memorable night out for an excellent price.
Any interesting facts about whisky and/or gin you can share that people might not know?
Both the “whisky” and “whiskey” words are correct. Whiskey is specific to Irish, and Whisky is Scotch. Both originating from a Gaelic word meaning “water of life”.
The earliest known food pairing with gin was gingerbread and occurred in 1731. This became quite common and is still traditional in parts of England.
What other Low Light Queenscliff Festival events would you recommend people check out?
We are looking forward to visiting the gallery exhibitions at Salt, Queenscliff Gallery and The Travelling Alchemist. Whilst manning the bar at the town hall we will also be fortunate enough to hear some of the performances there such as Claire Bowditch and Dan Sultan. We are also very excited about the Broadway hits the Bellarine Dinner in Tastes of the Region. After having experienced Ellen’s Stardust Diner in New York we thought it would be really special to have some of our regions performers put on a show worthy of Broadway. We are very lucky to have such amazing talent right here in Geelong and the Bellarine. Of course, there is the three-course dinner made from local produce with matched local wines to savor as well. We can’t wait.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Festivals are a great way to soak up cultural and gastronomical experiences. Over winter particularly, sure we can hibernate a little, but there’s nothing like immersing yourself into live entertainment to warm you up inside and out. Well done to the committee, we should all be supporting wholeheartedly to ensure the longevity of the program.
Head to the Low Light Queenscliff Festival website for all the details.
