Crafted for Connection – Sou’West Brewery by Ewert Leaf
An iconic hub at the heart of Torquay’s local and global surfing community, Sou’West Brewery emerges as a punchy revitalisation of the site previously home to Quicksilver’s international headquarters. Superbly transformed by Ewert Leaf, Sou’West Brewery centres around the zest for creating craft beverages and celebrates feasting with friends.
Accommodating over 400 patrons, the sheer scale of Sou’West Brewery is immediately revealed upon entry. Halos of light hover overhead, suspended from the six-metre-high timbered ceiling. Exposed vents snake alongside, offering an effortless industrial flair to the bar area.
Taking full advantage of the space’s stature, floor-to-ceiling glazed frames showcase the brewery’s heart and soul. Bubbling away behind the bar, the countertop sets the stage to view the Sou’West collection of gleaming fermentation vessels, offering a giddy glimpse into the makings of the golden drop.
The open layout fosters friendly connection with high benches, communal tables and comfy cushioned booths for groups to nestle into. Plentiful bar stools line the perimeter, encouraging punters into the jovial atmosphere to enjoy a night of lively excess.
Elevating the design beyond the expected pub palette, Ewert Leaf’s use of speckled terrazzo and Artedomus tiles enriches the brewery.
Further welcoming a sense of ease is the calm and assured aesthetic. A scheme of rich forest green with the natural browns of leather and warm wood conjure a familiar bar feel. Elevating the design beyond the expected pub palette, Ewert Leaf’s use of speckled terrazzo and Artedomus tiles enriches the brewery.
Italian-made Arrotato da Crudo terracotta tiles by Cotto Manetti line the floors and are continued in the bathroom’s walls; their exceptional durability making them suitable for a range of commercial applications. Echoing and uniting the colours seen in Sou’West’s interior, complementary porcelain Antilia tiles pop atop a feature patterned table. The extensive range of quality colours are suitable for both internal and external residential, commercial and high traffic areas.
Celebrating the business’s pillars – fresh produce and lovingly handcrafted food and beverages by Torquay’s homegrown heroes – through natural materiality, Ewert Leaf embeds a sense of meaning into every touchpoint. Embodying the essence of the surf community, Sou’West Brewery continues a local legacy as invigorating as the sea swell.
