North’s café scene continues to thrive

DENSE residential areas like Ballarat North are adding to their appeal and fostering an influx of prosperous café and dining businesses.

With a variety of coffee shops and eateries stretching from The Local to The Gatehouse in the cemetery, the north of Ballarat has experienced a range of new hospitality businesses springing up over the last five years.

Opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, Café al Nord is the newest café to be added to the suburb’s growing list.

Venue owner Andrew Flockhart said although the timing wasn’t perfect, he’s glad to have opened a business within Ballarat North.

“It’s a good area, the community has really got behind us and told us that this is really what they want,” he said.

“Business is going well, under the constraints, and repeat business has been amazing.

“I think suburban cafes are want people want now-a-days because it’s a natural thing to be able to walk to the corner and sit down, have a coffee and a chat.”

With free parking readily available and less restrictions placed on outdoor dining for residentially placed venues, there’s a clear appeal for business owners to open up shop in the suburbs.

As a Ballarat North local himself, Mr Flockhart said he’s been taking note of the gradual growth of the hospitality scene in the area.

“It’s been really interesting to watch this development happen, the change in the last 10 years is amazing,” he said.

“I live just down the road and I knew Bodega and the pie bakery next door were both doing quite well and there’s new places popping up along Lydiard Street all the time.

“Although, but it’s not just here, there’ll be new places opening in Newington and Lake Gardens as a way of bringing the lifestyle of Melbourne to the regions.”

Mr Flockhard said, not only does he appreciate the great community spirit in the area but also the support he receives from other coffee shops and eateries close by.

“I’m positive about this place and I’m sure the others are positive about theirs as well,” he said.

“We all support each other and it’s easy to do so because we all do slightly different things.”

Although Mr Flockhart’s experience has been overwhelmingly positive, he is not alone in feeling this way about Ballarat North’s community and business potential.

Margie Quinlan, owner of popular coffee spot Bodega, said when they first opened there wasn’t as many eateries as there is now so the community were really positive.

“It took a while for that trade to build but everyone was really excited to have something in the area and the community just loved it,” she said.

“When a café is set up in a suburb, the community see that café as theirs or as their local, whereas in town, even if you have a favourite it’s not the same.

“It’s nice to be able to walk from your house and have a chat with our baristas who would know majority of our customer’s coffee orders before they walk in the door.”

As spaces ideal for congregation, cafés and restaurants specifically those in residential areas can assist building up nearby communities and at a time like now, they’re proving more necessary than ever.

Ms Quinlan said she’s noticed a shift in the community to push for new hospitality businesses and move towards a more cosmopolitan scene similar to the suburbs of Melbourne.

“Ballarat North is changing, the community feel and the customers we see come in here are changing to almost take on a bit of a Melbourne vibe,” she said.

“The area is really progressing and since we opened our doors, we’ve seen a lot of people from Melbourne move here which comes back to the affordable housing point.

“This development will continue as growth areas keep changing because that’s the way Ballarat’s going.”