Greenough Hamlet cafe continues business as usual as Geraldton distiller signs five-month temporary lease

The local rumour mill has been in overdrive for some time about the future of Greenough Hamlet’s cafe amid fears it could be closing its doors, but visitors can rest assured it is staying open. A new lessee has taken over the Greenough Cafe and Visitors Centre on a five-month temporary lease. The current manager, Kevin Freeman, has cherished the hamlet for around 15 years, serving the cafe’s renowned scones and coffee while visitors overlook the lush green landscape and historic landmarks. National Trust of WA CEO Julian Donaldson said the Trust was pleased the cafe would remain open and a store holder inside the cafe would take the reins from Mr Freeman, who was starting a new chapter in life. “All staff remain and opening hours are Mondays to Sundays, 9am–3pm,” he said. The new lessee, Copperhead Road Distillery owner John Welsh, has worked in the Greenough Cafe for more than a year as a COVID marshal and selling his distilled rum at the cafe entrance. Mr Welsh said at one point there were plans to close the cafe, with utilities including ice-cream machines, fridges and furniture being sold off slowly. “But I realised I had to save my booze business,” he said. Mr Welsh said the hamlet was the only place to sell his rum besides yearly events such as the Northampton Show and online via the business website. “I want it to be a seamless transfer,” he said. He said he planned to keep the cafe as is, keeping current staff and making minimal adjustments to its operation, but wanted to extend the range and include more local produce. “I want to trial a sundown acoustic Saturday — I’m hitting people up for feedback. And bring the alpacas back — I want to get at least half a dozen,” he said, referring to some of the cafe’s regular guests that used to greet visitors — outside, of course. Mr Welsh said other minor adjustments could include a juicer, a new range of savoury scones, extending the range of beer and offering a market for local honey, jams and olive oil. “When people come in, I get an understanding of what they are looking for,” he said. Mr Welsh said if the Greenough Cafe did close, it would diminish any interest of being leased in the future while potentially spooking locals away. “It won’t be happening anytime soon, not even for a short period of time,” he said. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn said both the city and community at large would be relieved the cafe would continue to operate. “It is an iconic cafe in Geraldton that has been exceptionally managed and we look forward to seeing it continue,” he said. “The city would like to enter discussions with the National Trust on how we could further utilise the car bays and entry from the highway, creating a stopping bay of choice that would work with all parties.” The National Trust will release more information about an expressions of interest process at a later date.