The Woodman’s Axe invades Wood St, welcome to The Alley

From The Woodman’s Axe to Wood St, see Mackay’s latest city heart cafe and meet the team working behind the scenes to run it. PHOTOS

From the Woodman's Axe comes The Alley on Wood Street. Photo: Fergus Gregg

A hole is being filled in the heart of the city at Wood St alley where a cafe is bringing the Melbourne vibe to Mackay.

From the people who brought The Woodman’s Axe comes The Alley, a hole in the wall style coffee shop.

Woodman’s Axe owner Jason Ha said the new business venture came after a trip to Melbourne where he fell in love with the city’s “vibe”.

Nestled in the alley at 36 Wood St in the old Daily Mercury building is the brand new Alley cafe. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“I wanted to capture a bit of that and bring it back for the people of Mackay,” Mr Ha said.

Although some businesses have left Wood St recently, with Pure Harmony Skin and Beauty closing in March and Bar 94 announcing their permanent closure in May, Jason is undeterred.

“This is a good location, lots of offices around us and behind is the council car park,” he said.

With a soft launch on May 30 and the grand opening on May 31, it’s all hands on deck as Jason has divided his team and attention between the two locations.

“There’s a lot of stuff that will be unexpected. This is the first time I’ve brought something into the city heart, Woodman’s a bit away from it.

“We’re focusing on The Alley, it’s our baby,” Mr Ha said.

From the Woodman's Axe comes The Alley on Wood Street. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Initially The Alley will only offer takeaway cabinet food, with the goal being to implement outdoor dining and a full menu in the future.

“We have a well trained and passionate team,” he said.

“They will make sure we can run both shops really well.”

The Alley opens Friday, May 31 and the first 100 customers at The Alley will be receiving a “special gift” as part of a promotion to get business flowing.

The Alley is located at 36 Wood St