Sou’West turns one after rollercoaster first year

TORQUAY’S newest brewery is celebrating one year of operation after not knowing if it would survive past the first few months of business.

Sou’West Brewery, located on Baines Crescent, did what many new businesses would never think of doing – opening up service during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite other local traders succumbing to the pressures of the pandemic, the efforts of venue manager Tyler Ellery, operations manager Ishbel McAleer and their committed staff has allowed the drinking hole to permanently call Torquay home.

“Even before we opened the doors, COVID-19 was a hindrance to us,” Mr Ellery said.

“There was a year-long stint that we weren’t open and after we did open, there were another three or four lockdowns.

“For us to reach that one-year mark is massive for us.

“We’re not this corporate juggernaut. I want to come in and know the name of every person that walks through the door and make them feel at home and we feel like we have established a real connection with our locals.”

Mr Ellery and Ms McAleer admitted that laying off staff during the pandemic, including themselves, was the toughest part of their first year, but the pair remain grateful for those who have sacrificed their time to help the business get off the ground.

“It’s no question that our workers have gone through perhaps the most difficult time of their lives, but they show up to work, they’re amazing and they really emulate what this venue is all about,” Ms McAleer said.

New initiatives like Sou’West’s seasonal beers and its collaboration with local businesses is going to be a major focus point for the brewery moving forward.

“It’s a super exciting time for us looking to the future,” Ms McAleer added.

“Currently we’re the beer of the month at Torquay Bowls Club, which is a new relationship for us, and we haven’t really been able to hit the ground running with regard to wholesale produce, so we’re keen to pitch our beer to businesses that align with our values.

“Even in-house initiatives like our new Steak Night on Thursdays and our new Sou’West Cafe currently under construction.

“There’s plenty to look forward to and we’re excited to be a part of the Torquay community.”