The Snowflake

The Snowflake Venue in Potchefstroom has a fascinating history that dates back to 1921 when it was originally a steam mill owned by William Hinchcliff Horsfall. It was the first industrial operation in Potchefstroom and stood as the town’s tallest building at the time, second only to the neighboring Silo towers. After William Horsfall’s passing in February 1939, the South African Milling Company took ownership, later passing it on to Premier Milling. The building’s use evolved over time, serving as a warehouse and distribution center for Premier Milling’s food products, including their renowned Snowflake wheat flour.

In 1997, Albert Bothma acquired the building and transformed it into a large-scale brewery, distillery, and packaging plant under the Bourbon Street Brewing Company Pty (Ltd). Albert later repurposed the building for commercial use, family entertainment, and cultural activities.

Today, the Snowflake Venue is a hub of cultural activities in Potchefstroom, featuring workshops, off-site team meetings, conferences, art exhibitions, music concerts, and a food and craft market. It houses a coffee shop named Recharge, a restaurant/pizzeria called Pizzamore, an art gallery, and a pool club, all of which contribute to its vibrant ambiance. The venue’s historical significance was recognized in 2019 by Heritage Potchefstroom Erfenis, which listed it as a building of historical value and installed an information board on the premises to commemorate its heritage.