The brains behind Newcastle’s sugar-free ginger beer
It’s that time again where we’ll be taking you behind the scenes with our favourite local business owners and creatives to find out where they go to eat, what playlist they’re listening to, where they take their out-of-town friends, and ultimately, what makes them tick.
For our 23rd instalment of SPILL, we’re catching up with one of the brains behind Newcastle’s favourite sugar-free ginger beer, Hazel Kitson of Frekl.
Hazel Kitson
Firstly, what and where would people across Newcastle recognise you from?
People would recognise me as the delivery driver and co-founder of Frekl, bringing the people of Newcastle delicious, locally owned Ginger Beer!
Where are you from originally?
Born in Melbourne, raised in Sydney.
What made you decide to make Newcastle home?
I was looking for a career change from musical theatre, fell in love with the wine industry and took a job in the Hunter Valley. Newcastle became home when I became a mum and realised Newy could offer a far more relaxed and spacious environment than Sydney. Now we’ve got two little boys, Newcastle is home. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Do you consider yourself more of an early bird or a night owl?
I was a night owl forever, but now with little ones (three and six) they kind of run the show. So early bird who has no choice but to get the worm?
What’s your morning ritual?
NY Times Wordle and Connections before getting out of bed.
What’s your coffee order?
Oat flat white.
Speaking of coffee, which local venue knows your order by heart?
The local is Lords Waratah, but recently discovered Floozy which is the new favourite stop on all city delivery days.
Tell me about your biggest career highlight…
When my boys go to the fridge and ask if they can have a can of Frekl. Creating something that your family genuinely loves and that you can share with them is the best feeling in the world.
In your spare time, what are your THREE top favourite things to do in Newcastle?
OOH that’s tough.
1. Take the kids down to Newcastle beach then grab a coffee and toastie from the Kiosk.
2. Bombala Walking Track at Glenrock is an easy walk for the kids and the most rewarding beach walk at the end
3. Scotties – pop a picnic rug down on the grass and get the best seafood in Newcastle while the kids can play. Perfection.
If you wanted to dazzle your out-of-town friends and family, where would you take them?
HUMBUG. Hands down. I tell friends and family to come visit Newcastle just so I can take them there.
Beer? Wine? Cocktail? Mocktail? What is your tipple of choice and where do you frequently visit?
Wine is my passion, having worked in the industry for years. Flotilla’s wine list is hard to beat! I also love staring at the hundreds of beers at The Prince Bottleshop and making up a random six pack to try new things.
On the daily, what’s guaranteed to make you smile?
My boys always wanting one last cuddle before heading into school and daycare.
What do you NEVER leave the house without?
Airpods and a hat!
We’re all about keeping it local here at HUNTERhunter – tell me THREE of your favourite local businesses that you live and breathe by and why you couldn’t live without them…
Praise Joe (Tighes Hill) – I wake up thinking about their vegemite scrolls.
Newy Fried Chicken – Nic has been a supporter from day one and is an inspiration as a Newcastle business owner. To watch how he grows such a loyal customer base from an insanely good product backed by great branding and a passionate, authentic owner.
Mayfield Pool – It feels like our second home throughout Summer. One of the things I love most about living in Newcastle is having a local outdoor pool five minutes from our house.
What are you reading / watching / listening to now?
Reading – I can’t lie here, the last book I read was a murder mystery at Christmas
Watching – just finished The Residence (murder mystery pattern here)
Listening to – Middle Kids Faith Crisis Pt 1
If you’re needing a short break away from Newcastle, where do you go and why?
Budgewoi, Central Coast – to see family, swim, and explore the National Park.
What’s your go-to playlist?
It’s always indie rock. Paul Dempsey, Sam Fender, Middle Kids, Ball Park Music, and Royal Otis at the moment.
What would you like to see more of in Newcastle?
More shows! Music, theatre, and comedy. There’s been such a great shift in the last few years of gigs and live music and I hope it keeps going!
Lucky last – who would you recommend we interview next for SPILL?
Stephanie Wells from HUMBUG. A fiercely talented business owner, wine lover, friend and mum.
