IN 2007, Timboon’s Tim Marwood and Carolyn Simmons took on a rundown former railway shed in the heart of the town and began a transformation.
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They turned it into one of the region’s best known eateries and attractions, the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery. But seven-and-a-half years since they opened the doors Mr Marwood and Ms Simmons are calling it a day with new owner Josh Walker, from Mepunga, taking over the venue from today.
Mr Marwood said he and Carolyn handed over the business with an element of sadness, but they were proud of the role it had played in the development of Timboon as a tourist destination.
“It’s been satisfying to see the township change and flourish in that time,” Mr Marwood said.
“It’s become more of a tourist town and it’s been great to be a part of that. I’m also very proud of the way our staff have conducted themselves over the years.
“We’ve had great local support and we finish up with a hint of sadness.”
Mr Marwood said the distillery had become a pseudo hub for the Twelve Apostles Food Artisans trail and they had enjoyed working with other local producers to help increase each others’ business.
He said they now planned to focus on their other business, Timboon Fine Ice Cream, and hoped to develop a stand-alone “experience” type outlet.
“We want people to be able to come to the factory and see how the ice-cream is made,” he said.
“We are also looking forward to spending a bit more time with our children. It’ll be nice to have a bit more time just focusing on one business rather than the two.”
New owner Josh Walker said he hoped to make the railway shed a place where people could celebrate.
“I’m very keen to increase weddings and functions,” he said.
Mr Walker, who grew up in the area and has run a contracting business for the past nine years, said he was looking forward to the change and challenge the new venture would deliver.
“I grew up in a restaurant in Peterborough, so I’ve always had that interest I suppose. The distillery is a unique tourist destination so I’m really looking forward to getting started,” he said.
