By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Customers of a prominent wedding venue and brewery have been left in a difficult situation following the unexpected closure of the business, and the owners express their deep regret. The companies behind Black Brewing and Dune Distilling have been placed under the administration of Avior Consulting as of Tuesday, with operations expected to cease on Saturday.
This development has disrupted plans for numerous weddings at the notable South West venue on Caves Road in Wilyabrup. Jessica Spittal, who reserved Black Brewing in July last year for her November 2024 wedding to her long-time partner Dylan, is now urgently searching for a new location. “I’m trying to get another venue,” she shared with The West Australian. “Weddings are crazy. A lot of things are booked out a year or two years in advance.”
Ms. Spittal mentioned that she had paid a $5000 deposit and anticipates that most customers will likely not receive refunds. These deposits will be pooled with other creditors' claims. She had also secured various essential wedding services, such as photographers, and her guests had arranged accommodation. “They would’ve been booked up two to three days a weekend. who knows how far in the future,” she commented.
Another affected customer, Kirsten Swenson, said her wedding to partner Hayden, already delayed by COVID-19, now faces the challenge of finding a new venue just eight weeks before their planned date. Ms. Swenson has already paid over $15,000, including a deposit and a recent invoice, and doubts she will recover any of it. “I’ve got to come up with all that money all over again,” she lamented.
With family and friends scheduled to fly in from New Zealand, rescheduling again would be "devastating," she said, as she works to secure another venue for that weekend. Co-owner Kristin Kestell expressed her deep sorrow, saying she had “not stopped crying since Tuesday.” Ms. Kestell said she felt terrible for the staff and customers affected.
She explained that the shareholders had been injecting funds into the business in recent years to counter rising rent, higher power costs, and broader hospitality industry challenges. However, it became clear this week that the business could no longer continue. Ms. Kestell cited the annual $150,000 expenditure on wastewater treatment and a failed plan to build their own facility as significant factors.
“It’s hard when you’re passionate. you don’t want to give up,” she said. A filing with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission confirmed that Very Luxury Very Famous, trading as Black Brewing and Dune Distilling, had entered administration.
Avior’s Kelly Meyn described the situation as “a very tragic circumstance,” particularly for couples who had paid deposits and would not receive refunds. He is currently contacting affected customers, which include about 15 couples. A sale of Black and Dune is being considered. Black Brewing had received several accolades in 2023, including being named WA’s State Champion Brewery at the Independent Beer Awards.
The company informed customers via email on Thursday about the imminent closure. “It is with great regret that we have to inform you that Black Brewing Co will shortly cease trading with the close of business at the end of the day on Saturday 15th of June,” the email stated. “Our entire team would like to apologise for the circumstances and issues this will raise. We are all deeply upset at the closure of the business and the impact on you. “We have reached out to local venues in the hope they can host your event, particularly for those events coming up in the near future.”