Over the past two-and-a-half years, owner-managers Joshua and Priscilla Ryan have built a solid business. As of last month the cafe is open for dinner, Wednesday to Saturday, from 6-10pm. “If customers arrive by 6.30pm we offer two courses for $24,” Priscilla says. Barn Doors is fully licensed and wine is reasonably priced (with a variety of options for under $30).
“When we first arrived there was no courtyard,” Priscilla explains. “Josh put in the back door, which is made from recycled timber.” “The wood is actually from Mum’s old fence,” Josh adds. “The cross-panel design made it look like a barn door.”
A recent addition to the cafe is a large wooden table by the back window. The wide table, constructed by Josh, comfortably seats 10. Group bookings for breakfast, lunch and dinner are welcome.
Patrons are impressed to learn that Josh has made all the benches and stools in the cafe. Much of the artwork on the walls is Josh’s too (a hobby, he says, and a form of relaxation). His first love, however, is hospitality.
“I really enjoy working in the kitchen,” says Josh, who has worked as a chef and barista for more than 20 years. “I love cooking and baking – we bake our own flatbreads, as well as gluten-free pumpkin and kale bread.”
Josh and Priscilla are positive about the future. Their two young children love coming to the cafe every day. Redfern is a lively place and the people are friendly. “There are quite a few cafes now,” Josh says, “which means business is good, especially on the weekends. There are so many people out and about.”
