06/03/2026
There is no easy way to write this message.
After a great deal of thought and many long conversations, we have decided that the Appointment Craft Brewery Taproom and Restaurant will close at the end of March 2026. Our last Friday afternoon will be 27 March 2026.
This decision did not come quickly or easily. In fact, it came with a lot of reflection and, truth be told, a few tears as well.
Appointment Craft Brewery officially started brewing in July 2015, supplying beer to the people of Kroonstad. A few years later, in April 2018, the taproom and restaurant opened its doors. What began as a small passion project slowly grew into something much bigger than we ever expected.
Over the years the taproom became more than just a place to have a beer. It became a place where people met after long weeks, where friends gathered on Friday afternoons, and where many good stories were told. Many of you first walked in as customers, but somewhere along the way became friends. For that, we are deeply grateful.
We have brewed many beers over the years. Some experimental batches did not quite work out the way we hoped — but that is part of the adventure of craft brewing. Fortunately, most of the beers turned out very well, and many of you came back week after week to enjoy them with us.
One small detail that always made us smile is our Blonde Ale. When we first introduced it in 2015, a pint sold for R35. Eleven years later, it still sells for exactly R35 per pint. Somehow we managed to keep it that way, and it became a small point of pride for us.
There are still a few Fridays left before the end of March, and we would really like to spend them the way we always have — in a relaxed atmosphere with good company, cold beer, and honest conversation. We are not planning a big final event. We would simply like to see familiar faces again and share a few more easygoing Friday afternoons together.
Rudi, Coal, Mariaan, Monja, and our dedicated team will truly miss those Fridays. They have become part of our lives for many years. But at the same time, we are also looking forward to a slightly slower pace and to spending more time with our families over weekends.
Another important reason for this decision is that we need to give more attention to the core business. The taproom began as a hobby, but over time it took on a life of its own. While it has been an incredible journey, the moment has come to refocus our time and energy.
The good news is that Appointment beer is not disappearing. We will continue brewing the beers you know and enjoy. In fact, you may start seeing more bottled and canned Appointment beer, and we are planning to expand our party keg and mobile tap offerings.
So while the taproom may close, the beer will still find its way to your table — perhaps at a braai, a birthday, a pool party, or another gathering with friends.
We are all still here in Kroonstad, and we look forward to seeing many of you again — just from the other side of the counter.
For now, please do not be sad. Rather come around during the next few Fridays and have one more beer with us. Let’s raise a glass together and celebrate the good times we have shared.
Thank you for the support, the laughter, and the friendship over the years.
It has truly been quite a ride.
With appreciation,
Rudi, Coal, Mariaan, Monja
and the Appointment Craft Brewery Team
