AFTER 15 years at the helm of the the idealic Weswal Gallery Cafe, owners Isobel and Sandy Allan believe it's time for someone new to step forward and grasp the vision.
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Both at the ripe old age of 72, the pair feel they have put their heart and soul into the East Tamworth establishment - separate to the neighbouring Weswal Gallery - and hope to retire.
"We're at the stage now where we need to do something to put a bit of spirit back into the place," Sandy Allan told the Leader.
"And, we've got the opportunity to expand with rustic dining in the garden outside, but we're a bit long in the tooth for that.
"There's a few things we would like to do in retirement, so we're looking for somebody with a bit of a vision to see that side of it and go with it."
The cafe, on Brisbane Street, is ideally located and overlooks Tamworth's Victoria Park and Botanic Gardens.
And, as the council plans to turn the precinct into a major tourist destination, its sale is a unique opportunity for someone with the right vision to take over, Mr Allan said.
We've weathered quite a few storms over that time, drought, COVID now, which is not easy.
- Sandy Allan - Weswal Gallery Cafe
Expanding into the outdoor area and transforming the garden into alfresco dining would add "the icing on the cake".
Mr Allan said over the years plenty had changed, and they felt now was just the right time to sell.
"We took over 15 years ago after we sold our business in Manilla," he said.
"We took a trip around the world to see relatives we hadn't seen in some time and when we came back here, we were in Tamworth on business and thought 'oh we will go out to Weswal for lunch'.
"And lo-and-behold there was a for sale sign outside ... so we made inquiries and ended up with the business.
"We've weathered quite a few storms over that time, drought, COVID now, which is not easy."
In retirement, they intend to build a house in New Zealand for holiday living, and do a bit of exploring on the island country.
"We're keen to have a long rest first," Mr Allan laughed.
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