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The Recreation story began when Vero struck up a conversation with a patron at his bar, a friend of a friend.<\/p>\n
“I met Ben at one of my pubs, and our partnership evolved rapidly from there,” Vero said.<\/p>\n
Ben Collins turned out to be the co-owner of Coffetti Gelato, also located on Hitchcock Avenue. The two hit it off and decided to collaborate.<\/p>\n
“We wanted to create a beer that stood out, both in flavour and philosophy,” Vero said.<\/p>\n
Their vision for Recreation Brewing was to craft a great-tasting, low-alcohol beer that’s light on calories.<\/p>\n
Recreation was a huge success and is now sold in bars and bottle shops across Victoria, and Loco’s emerged as the logical next step.<\/p>\n
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“We kind of just figured that most beer brands these days need a home or a starting point, a bit of a venue,” Vero said.<\/p>\n
“But as a small beer company, it doesn’t generate the funds to create a brewpub.<\/p>\n
“Therefore, Loco’s presented the ideal opportunity to introduce our brand, sell our beer, and connect with the community.”<\/p>\n
Vero’s journey in hospitality began in Armadale’s back streets in 2010 with the opening of Coin Laundry Cafe.<\/p>\n
“Over five or six years, I launched and sold about six other venues, then decided to dive into the pub industry,” he said.<\/p>\n
Located on the corner of Bridge Road and Hitchcock Avenue, Loco’s replaces what was previously a simple fish and chip shop and then the short-lived Corner Store Cafe.<\/p>\n
Seeing a golden opportunity in the Bellarine Peninsula, Vero envisioned more than a seasonal destination; he sought to establish a regular haunt for locals.<\/p>\n A few simple changes transformed the venue from an unappealing eyesore into a welcoming haven.<\/p>\n The initial step was removing the fence that divided the bar from the street, followed by repainting the harsh musk pink walls with a more mellow white.<\/p>\n The fence was replaced with mature olive trees from Collins’ farm, enhancing the space with a bucolic-Tuscan charm while keeping it open and inviting.<\/p>\n Stepping into Loco’s, guests are now enveloped in an atmosphere that artfully blends modernity with rustic charm.<\/p>\n The interior showcases a sophisticated palette of earth tones, accented by vibrant splashes of colour, reminiscent of a lively Mexican marketplace.<\/p>\n Wooden furnishings, coupled with industrial-style lighting and a stainless-steel kitchen, create a warm and inviting ambiance.<\/p>\n Unique design elements and repurposed materials reflect the venue’s commitment to creativity and sustainability.<\/p>\n The thoughtfully designed space is not just a feast for the tastebuds but also for the eyes, promising an immersive dining experience that resonates with the spirit of Barwon Heads.<\/p>\n When designing the space Vero and team set out to create a venue for all seasons.<\/p>\n “Our aim is for it to become a favourite all year round, not just in summer,” he said.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/01.02.2024_14.20.36_REC.png?_t=1706759609\")
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