Kingsbrook Café: Ali Carle exlpores the menu at this restaurant in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

On any given day a procession of motorists on the Strathalbyn to Goolwa road pass an imposing piece of Fleurieu Peninsula history - a two storey building that was to be the centrepiece of a thriving community. Today, it's pretty much all that remains of the township of Currency Creek.

But back in the 1840s, the Currency Creek Inn, provided proof in stone that the planners of the new colony of South Australia had big things in mind for this new settlement.

"It was sold off the plan in London in 1836," said Chris Norris of the Kingsbrook Cafe. "You wouldn't have built a building like this in 1842 had the town not been developed. But with the advent trains and the river the lake became less important. So the township didn't evolve really."

Maybe not the town but the old pub has, under the watchful eye of owner Chris Norris. Kingsbrook is an eyecatching blend of Chris' passion for building restoration and a love of all things French. The old galvo verandahs have been torn down and French shutters placed over the windows as Chris set about creating his own little piece of Provence or Umbria.

From 1880 to about 1990 the old Kingsbrook Inn went into hibernation. It was slowly crumbling away until Chris stumbled across it.

"I bought it as derelict building in 1989," said Chris. "It was a couple of weeks off being condemned. It's been a work in progress ever since. There was no electricity, no plumbing.

"Now it's a bit of a party house. We do functions ranging from 20 people in the Pavilion to pool parties to the Orangery which we've nearly finished building for weddings etc. And, of course, there's the marquee at the vineyard."

Currency Creek was recently listed as South Australia's newest wine growing region with about 1500 acres of vines planted near the shores of Lake Alexandrina.

"It's very similar to McLaren Vale because the lake has the same cooling effect as the ocean does on McLaren Vale. So the cooling in the evening prolongs the ripening process which improves the fruit."

The Kingsbrook Cafe is open on weekends. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

Kingsbrook Cafe
Currency Creek
Near historic bridge
Fleurieu Peninsula

Published 4th March 2007