![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/weirdly-sized-image-8-600x380.png?_t=1656632015\")
<\/p>\n
In their eyes, as Sou\u2019West operations manager Ishbel McAleer says, Sou\u2019West is another phase in the story of the old Quiksilver warehouse and the story of the Surf Coast itself, and it is something they are very proud of.<\/p>\n
Ishbel said she\u2019s had customers come in and tell her stories of coming into the warehouse 20 years ago to buy wetsuits or their favourite T-shirt.<\/p>\n
These stories are woven into the fabric of Sou\u2019West Brewery and now caf\u00e9, in both the building design and the culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have designed our brewery and business taking all of the great things of the original site and the Surf Coast community into consideration,\u201d Ishbel said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very lucky to be the next phase of what has been an iconic site for Torquay and for the global surfing community.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the main beer hall, the warehouse element of what the building used to be was kept in mind, while we also aimed to emulate a fresh contemporary vibe around the building. We often have customers coming in and telling us about how they used to come to warehouse sales in the very spot they are now standing drinking a beer!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ishbel said the team\u2019s dream was to create a space that allows people to have access to the Sou\u2019West spaces all day and night, a relaxing second-home experience where guests can relax and enjoy fresh locally sourced produce, friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople want warm, friendly and affordable food, sort of like a local delicacy, \u2018it\u2019s made in Torquay\u2019 type of thing.\u201d
\nThe little grab-and-go caf\u00e9 out the front of the brewery has just opened.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/All-images-2-1-600x320.png?_t=1656631973\")
<\/p>\n
With pink walls and a circular window making the coffee machine visible from the street, it\u2019s miss to walk past on a gloomy winter\u2019s day.<\/p>\n
And even harder to miss is the smell of freshly ground coffee beans and freshly toasted sandwiches drifting down the driveway to the footpath.<\/p>\n
As operations manager, Ishbel also runs this newest business venture.<\/p>\n
Ishbel said the idea to start up a Sou\u2019West cafe had been brewing for some time, but was really fast-tracked since their block had evolved into a business hub.<\/p>\n
The team saw the opportunity for a fun, convenient cafe to provide fresh meals and coffee for those in the block during the working week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cafe is open Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm, so we\u2019re there for your morning coffee and ready and waiting when lunch time rolls around,\u201d Ishbel said.<\/p>\n
Ishebl also works at the caf\u00e9 with supervisor Taylah, and the two said they love the friendly chats they have with workers that stop buy for coffee or lunch, and having opened only three weeks ago they are delighted to already have regulars.<\/p>\n
\u201cA big focus in our first month is striking up conversations with our customers to find out what sort of meals they\u2019d like to be able to purchase during their work day. Through doing this we have already brought on some new items to suit the needs of our customers.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/weirdly-sized-image-10-600x380.png?_t=1656632308\")