Taste of the TABLELANDS

While you most likely come to Armidale for its world-class national parks, epic walks and all-round natural beauty, there’s always time for a brew and a burger at the end of a big day exploring.

Which is why I want to introduce Sam Martin, a dentist and serial beer-lover who’s injecting a little love back into the city he was raised in.

Sam Martin opened the doors to Great Hops Brewery & Taproom in January this year — think American beer culture with waffle fries, wings and slow-cooked brisket, partnered with a solid range of IPA, ale, stout, larger and a few German classics.

Talking to Sam, you get an immediate sense of what life is like in Armidale — a beautiful place that offers up more than what initially lures you — and his story is a great chinwag. People like Sam are part of the social fabric of regional hubs like Armidale, bolstering tourism, sparking conversation and bringing communities together.

Pull up a barstool and hear the story of a local lad who turned a passion into an opportunity to give back.