Books, Whisky and Conversation: Tough Guy Book Club and The Wheeler Centre at Bakery Hill Distillery
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in July, book lovers, whisky lovers, Goons (terms not mutually exclusive), and even some curious newcomers gathered at Bakery Hill Distillery in Kensington for an afternoon of Tough Guy Bookish Club. Hosted in partnership with The Wheeler Centre and Bakery Hill Distillery, the event brought people together for an afternoon of "rowdy, bookish conversation" centred around Jock Serong's novel Cherrywood.
Guests were welcomed with a whisky or beer on arrival and had time to mingle before settling in for the discussion. Attendees travelled from across Victoria, with members making the trip from chapters as far afield as Bright, Geelong and Macedon, highlighting the enthusiasm that TGBC events continue to inspire.
The formal discussion saw Tough Guy Book Club founder Shay Leighton joined by host Tim Byrne to unpack Serong's novel, which The Wheeler Centre described as a story about "legacy, community and reinvention". Cherrywood proved to be fertile ground for discussion. Questions from the audience explored everything from the decision to set the novel in the 1990s to wider conversations about memory, belonging, local communities, and the stories that shape them.
What stood out throughout the afternoon was the interactive nature of the event. Rather than a traditional author talk or lecture, the audience were encouraged to contribute, debate and discuss the novel with one another. Questions were posed not only to the speakers but also to the audience, creating the kind of rowdy conversation that sits at the heart of Tough Guy Book Club.
As Mitch, a Goon from Geelong reflected:
"The Tough Guy Bookish Club event at the Bakery Hill Distillery was well worth the train trip up from Geelong. With perfect sunny weather outside, and great conversations, food and drinks inside, it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
The event felt more like a genuine discussion with all present taking part rather than a lecture. It was particularly cool to meet and hear from other Goons who had come from both near and far, as well as a couple of new faces that came along to see what it was all about."
Following the discussion, attendees were treated to an intimate behind-the-scenes tour of Bakery Hill Distillery. Led by a member of the family-run business, the tour offered insight into the history of whisky-making in Australia, the distilling process itself, and the story of a venue that feels like a local best-kept secret. Hidden behind an unassuming frontage, Bakery Hill proved to be a fitting home for an afternoon dedicated to discovery, storytelling and shared experiences.
The conversations continued long after the formal program concluded. Small groups formed around the venue, discussing Cherrywood, Jock Serong's broader body of work, Fitzroy's role in the novel, and the unique place of magical realism in Australian storytelling. This event marked the second collaboration between Tough Guy Book Club and The Wheeler Centre, building on our successful partnership. If the lively discussion, shared drinks and animated debates surrounding Cherrywood were any indication, it certainly won't be the last.
Cheers to good books, good whisky, and good conversation.
By Jamal Brown
Photography by Mark Thompson
