Origins: The Mount Alford General Store.
Mount Alford was originally known as Reckumpilla, a small rural settlement serving surrounding farming and grazing properties in the Scenic Rim region. The town was renamed Mount Alford after Thomas Alford, who managed nearby Coochin Coochin station from 1868.
The first general store in Mount Alford was established by August Anders. This store played a central role in the community, supplying groceries, hardware, mail services, and acting as a key social hub for local families, farmers, and travellers.
Rebuilt Store and Heritage Building (1913)
In 1913, following the sale of the business by the Anders family, the general store building was rebuilt. This new structure is the heritage-listed building that still stands today at 898 Reckumpilla Street.
Historical photographs from around 1918 show the store as a prominent streetscape feature, with horse‑drawn vehicles and early motor cars stopping outside—evidence of its importance to daily life in the district.
During the early and mid‑20th century, the store passed through multiple owners. Newspaper records confirm ownership changes, including a documented sale in 1928 from J. E. Henry to Ralph Butt of Moogerah, illustrating the store’s continued commercial significance.
Decline of Rural Stores in Later Years
Like many rural general stores across Queensland, Mount Alford’s store gradually declined as transport links improved and residents increasingly travelled to larger towns such as Boonah for supplies. While exact closure dates are not consistently recorded, the building remained standing and retained much of its original character, contributing to its eventual heritage listing.
Transformation into Scenic Rim Brewery (2014–2016)
In 2014, Mike and Wendy Webster purchased the long‑disused general store after falling in love with the historic building. They began an extensive renovation aimed at preserving the store’s original fabric while adapting it for new use.
After approximately two years of refurbishment, the building reopened as Scenic Rim Brewery and Café, a family‑owned microbrewery producing beer onsite within the heritage structure.
The brewery officially opened its doors to the public in late 2016 / early 2017.
The business closed in 2024 and the building remains empty.
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