Cafe 9 in decline
The cafe at No. 9 Ward Avenue, Potts Point, has closed in mysterious circumstances.
Jess noticed it yesterday (her pic’s on the left), though the details are obscured behind the door. By the time we went by today, under a dusty orange sky, even those had been folded away.
Our post about No. 9 was the busiest and most commented since we started Darlinghurst Nights almost a year ago. It opened in July and seems to have burned bright, but fast.
UPDATE (25/9/09): There’s a new sign in the window at No. 9 (first noticed by Lisa in the comments below), that says the cafe is just closed for renovations.
The latest issue of Delicious magazine (October 09) says No. 9 breaks the Sydney cafe mould. It quotes Lane Finlayson (operator of the cafe, formerly of Bills, Darlinghurst).
We didn’t want it to have that ‘Sydney look’ of clean lines and white walls. We wanted something a little more European. It could be a very small corner of a grand country house.
The article says a liquor licence is in the works, with plans to open for dinner, which could explain the temporary closure – though with a great review in Delicious, they must be disappointed to be shut for business.
Oh no, it was on my To do list! Mysterious…I wonder what happened?
Reemski
23 Sep 09 at 11:32 am
Just went past tonight and there is a new typed notice. Didn’t have camera on me…..the sign said something to the effect of
“No. 9 is temporarily closed for minor renovations.
We thank you for your custom and look forward to seeing you again soon
We appreciate your understanding
Walter”
Interestingly it is only signed “Walter” as my understanding was that Lane and Walter (Herman) were the partners in the business. Walter is of Herman Interiors in Kings Cross Rd (near Cafe Hernandez). ie he is responsible for the interior of No. 9.
Let’s hope that it is back to normal soon.
Lisa
23 Sep 09 at 10:12 pm
Not such good news at No. 9.
According to SMH Good Living’s Short Black page today, there was a “misunderstanding” between Walter (the owner) and Lane (the manager) and Lane has left…with all of the staff!
We’ll continue to watch the space.
polly
6 Oct 09 at 6:19 pm
Unfortunately Lane, Ana and the other staff were made redundant. I fear Nine will never be the same again.
Can anyone recommend where I can get my morning coffee?
Catriona
8 Oct 09 at 12:34 am
There is new sign at No.9 saying they are re-opening on Saturday 31st. Will be interesting to see who is on the floor and what the menu is like
Lisa
26 Oct 09 at 10:38 pm
[...] the story was published it seems that Cafe No. 9 has closed in mysterious circumstances, and if the comments here are correct, all the staff have moved on prior to it re-opening. Coffee at Bangbang Baffi and Mo [...]
Sydney’s Best Breakfasts | Boudist Photos
30 Oct 09 at 3:04 pm
I went back to No.9 and was sadly disappointed. Average food and sloppy service. Compared to my first visit it seems to have lost its edge…and the hot staff. What happened? Such a shame as it had such great potenial.
Clare
5 Nov 09 at 9:25 pm
Sorry Clare but I can’t agree. I’ve been back twice and thought the food was great and the service far from sloppy. Are we talking about the same No.9 ?
Sally
8 Nov 09 at 1:05 pm
I’m with Sally – went there Saturday and the food was spot on, the coffee amazing, and the service “entertaining” given the cramped quarters they are working in. A welcome addition to the PP breaky scene.
John
10 Nov 09 at 10:28 am
I have also been back. Mixed feelings.
The new staff (some from Uliveto I think) are very sweet although I miss the original staff.
Things that disappointed me:
- the beautifully simple, pared back menu is gone, replaced with all the boring, Sydney-style “egg plus one thousand random ingredient dishes” you can get anywhere.
- they’ve removed their signature dish, the perfect pancakes with rose water syrup and clotted cream. We don’t need ANOTHER cafe serving pancakes-plus-berry compote-plus-ricotta-plus-another-random-ingredient. Berry compote is like the herpes of the Sydney breakfast scene.
- the noise level has increased a thousand decibels, but I can’t put my finger on why.
So anyway, I’ll be back, it’s a cute place with nice staff.
But it has lost what made it special, there’s no doubt about that.
Jessica
11 Nov 09 at 9:53 am
I went back on the weekend not realising it had changed hands. The food was ok, definitely nothing compared to the original menu which was a true foodies delight. Simple fresh chic v’s average over complicated…you be the judge. Its still a nice venue however just don’t expect the same gourmet experience. Go there if you are looking for a nice place to meet friends you don’t know that well. The interior decorating will keep the conversation flowing. Try Dolcetta or Fratelli Paradiso if you are a breakie snob like me…hehe.
Kristen
11 Nov 09 at 11:02 pm
Cute venue but very ordinary food. Was expecting more after reading a review. They didnt even have the pancakes from the review. Service was slack for the price. The older guy was a bit strange to us????. We left in a hurry and went to the growers market…great egg and bacon rolls.
Andrew
27 Nov 09 at 11:34 pm