Nambour's Stalwart Alehouse closes doors, but owner says beer will keep flowing

Owner Adam Tomlinson, pictured outside Stalwarts on the eve of the opening, 18 months ago. 

Omicron was the last straw

The Omicron wave proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for brave brewer Adam Tomlinson who closed his Nambour bar on Sunday February 6. 

Stalwarts Alehouse & Brewery opened nearly two years ago, carrying hopes of leading a promising resurgence for the town’s Currie Street. 

Adam said in another time the pub would have flourished. 

But painful lockdowns, staff shortages, supply chain issues and stress had taken their  toll on the fledgling business. 

It officially closed its doors Monday (February 7) but the brand will remain and Adam is looking to possibly co-lease the premises. 

“Stalwart Brewing Co will continue and now focus on building its brand with new brews in bottle shops and bars,” said Adam. 

He planned to continue to brew at the Alehouse premises for at least another 12 months at this stage and focus purely on bottle shop sales “keeping the company and the brand going”.  

“I’ll be concentrating on Stalwarts, my current lease is for another 12 months. I do love the idea of co-leasing the place with someone running the front-of-house and kitchen. The place is too good to be vacant for too long. As long as we get through this pandemic there will be better times ahead. 

“Still the reality is, while this continues, it is going to be tough. I’m worried about other small business too ... as long as we have restrictions. It’s such a terrible time. 

“Looking back I signed a lease early March 2020 and ten days later they shut the pubs down in Queensland. 

“It was a tough way to start and unfortunately the Alehouse has only ever been open in the pandemic. Still, I’m proud of the two years that we had there.

“A huge thank you to our regulars and all Stalwart customers for supporting us over the past two years. 

“The love of craft beer and good times with friends and family will carry on and continue to build Stalwart’s legacy.”

In the meantime Adam said he’d returned to his old job as a surveyor and was about to go working FIFO in the Surat Basin gas fields.