The mystery is now over about what’s happening in the new building beside The Pavilion on the foreshore – HAH (Health and Hire) Lorne beach has opened and is operating.
An initiative by Katie Walker and on his days off husband, Leon, with a mission is to sell and serve food they make themselves from local produce. This includes their own organic chocolate made from scratch using cocao nibs and natural flavours. The “Hire” part of the business offers bikes and surf boards for rent.
In 2001 Katie left the UK armed with a qualification in Events and Tourism. She travelled around Europe for seven years working in management positions, particularly at ski resorts, until in 2007 she decided to come to Australia.
Ten years ago she arrived in Lorne, set up camp at Allenvale and found employment at The Arab Café. Her parents had always had restaurants in which she can’t remember ever not helping. She was well equipped.
Her future in Lorne was determined one Easter Sunday when a friend took her to The Aquatic Club. Not only did she meet lots of new people but also Leon Walker, whom she would later marry. Katie started her own Lorne events company, mainly managing weddings at local venues. In her spare time she played in a local basketball team.
Katie and Leon married and had two children. For some time they had been investigating business possibilities that they could do together so when the opportunity arose to create Health and Hire, they seized it. “The business will keep evolving as we see what works.” Right now they are opening every Wednesday night for an eat in or take away curry night. The last two have been fully booked.
During winter they are open seven days for breakfast and lunch, and serve it on tables Leon has made from wood originally out of Eddie Babbington’s old family mill. In summer they will open for dinner, no doubt with assistance from her parents who are coming from Spain to enjoy their grandchildren.
