Usually when you approach a cafe, there are sophisticated sounds of lulled adult conversation with maybe a polite laugh, spoons clinking in tea cups and the whirr of a coffee machine in the background. 

This is not so prevalent at the Brick Lounge - the closer you get, the giggles, laughter and mirth of youthful enterprise infect you and makes you smile in spite of yourself.

The latest cafe on offer in Lismore is at the far end of the Starcourt Arcade. The proprietor, Andrew Haagensen, is a Lismore local who has seen a need for more indoor options for kids.

“I’m all about bringing something to Lismore that we desperately need. Because when it's raining in Lismore, my kids and I can get Cabin fever.” Somehow, I don’t think the weather needs to be wet to inspire kids to be here, the place is full, and it is a glorious day outside! 

Andrew is a lego fan, and the four children in his life are happy to help. “My oldest is usually on the ball when people come in and she’ll get the lego set all set up for them with the building instructions.”

Vicki Wright, Andrews partner, moves around the shop helping out. Vicki has the furniture shop across the arcade, and she gets most of the blame, “It’s actually her fault that this lounge actually happened,” he says with an affectionate smile. 

A builder, Leo, 11, comes up to show us his composition - a burger delivery truck. “It has a sign that you can fold down when it's closed or it can open out. You have ketchup and a calculator on the bench. You can take off the bun roof, and you have a burger ready to be served.” Leo operates all the components showing me the finer details. Andrew directs him to add it to the display collection, and he does so with a smile before scampering off.

Leo’s mother, Jade is standing by and says, “I think we will move in! I got to have a nice coffee while they are busy building lego. It’s fantastic.”

So, how it works is a lego fiend selects their favourite lego kit to build, and they are supplied a box with all the components, and an instruction book. There are 20 to 30 different lego sets to build - the size of the build depends on the price with options of $5, $10 and $15 dollar sets.  

There are also “free building” stations, where anything can be created that includes a big block lego play area. “We’ve got a $5 speed build challenge, in which the first place champion smashed it out this morning. He was incredibly fast.”

As we are chatting, a lady is looking for her phone - discussion on whether or not it has been encased in a lego construction brings smiles. It is hard not to get caught up in the fun of it all.

“A lot of dads end up building the sets for their kids who bite off a little bit more than they can chew,” Andrew says, but whether that is a parent being helpful, or by design, there is room for debate. “I kept the age limit off them on purpose because everyone should give something a shot if they like the look of the design. And I am here to help, too.” 

Another builder, Huon, around 8, comes up and shows us his hotrod car, explaining that he did some engineering to make the wheels operate off lock. His mother confirms his penchant for engineering, and loves lego play. 

A leisurely visit for parents is made possible with the help of, “hot coffees and pots of tea, a range of flavoured milks, juices and soft drinks. For nibbles, we have muffins and cookies and chips - that kind of thing.”

Don’t put a visit off, it is open 10am til 5pm only while the school holidays are on, and it's busy… “When school goes back, I go back to my trade and have to complete any work before I can come in and open up here. I am aiming for 1pm to 5pm, but that will be dependent on work.”

Andrew has set up a Facebook page where he plans to notify followers when he is open. He intends to start birthdays and parties, but not quite yet—you can call him if you have an enquiry. Feedback on the lounge is welcome—Andrew really wants to make this space something good for the community. You can contact him on 0456 717 090.