logo
Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm

The Courier2 days ago

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe has reopened with a familiar city name on the door.
The team behind Perth's Blend Coffee Lounge have taken on the running of the popular landmark.
Blend's Sundeep Salins says it's a privilege to become the latest stewards of a venue that holds so many warm memories for the people of Perth.
'We've only just opened and the response has been great,' he said.
'People remember the pavilion and the boating pond, and they're all saying how glad they are to see the cafe open again.
'It's nice to be able to breathe new life into the place.'
The South Inch pavilion is owned by Perth and Kinross Council.
It advertised for a new operator to run the pavilion cafe at the start of the year.
The rest of the building is occupied by Fair City Juniors Football Club.
Under Blend's management, the South Inch pavilion cafe will initially be open from 10am-7pm.
Sundeep says the team will settle on the right opening hours for weekends once they've had a chance to assess demand.
They are also keen to stay open through the autumn and winter.
The cafe will sell light snacks, ice cream tubs, milkshakes and soft drinks, as well as Blend's famous coffee.
Its toilets will also be open to the public.
Blend started in Perth's Old High Street in 2013.
The South Inch pavilion cafe will be its seventh outlet.
The original coffee lounge is still going strong, hosting regular events including a Menopause Cafe and a popular street poetry night.
Sundeep says the aim was to create 'a safe space for the city', and that's the goal for the pavilion too.
'We're looking forward to growing our community at the South Inch,' he said.
'We're hoping we can make it a place for all the people who use the park – mothers and toddlers, people who work from home, people who have come to the park looking for a bit of headspace.
'Really we're hoping people will come to us and tell us what they want.'
The South Inch pavilion cafe has had a number of operators over the years.
Sundeep says the Blend team are grateful to Perth and Kinross Council for all their support in getting the building ready to reopen.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of the council's economy and infrastructure committee, says it's been a pleasure.
'It is fantastic to see Blend opening on the South Inch,' he said.
'The council has worked closely with Sundeep, and Fair City Community Football Club who have leased the rest of the pavilion, to bring the building back to life.
'I am sure this will be a huge success and a great addition to the South Inch.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm
Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm

The Courier

time2 days ago

  • The Courier

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe has reopened with a familiar city name on the door. The team behind Perth's Blend Coffee Lounge have taken on the running of the popular landmark. Blend's Sundeep Salins says it's a privilege to become the latest stewards of a venue that holds so many warm memories for the people of Perth. 'We've only just opened and the response has been great,' he said. 'People remember the pavilion and the boating pond, and they're all saying how glad they are to see the cafe open again. 'It's nice to be able to breathe new life into the place.' The South Inch pavilion is owned by Perth and Kinross Council. It advertised for a new operator to run the pavilion cafe at the start of the year. The rest of the building is occupied by Fair City Juniors Football Club. Under Blend's management, the South Inch pavilion cafe will initially be open from 10am-7pm. Sundeep says the team will settle on the right opening hours for weekends once they've had a chance to assess demand. They are also keen to stay open through the autumn and winter. The cafe will sell light snacks, ice cream tubs, milkshakes and soft drinks, as well as Blend's famous coffee. Its toilets will also be open to the public. Blend started in Perth's Old High Street in 2013. The South Inch pavilion cafe will be its seventh outlet. The original coffee lounge is still going strong, hosting regular events including a Menopause Cafe and a popular street poetry night. Sundeep says the aim was to create 'a safe space for the city', and that's the goal for the pavilion too. 'We're looking forward to growing our community at the South Inch,' he said. 'We're hoping we can make it a place for all the people who use the park – mothers and toddlers, people who work from home, people who have come to the park looking for a bit of headspace. 'Really we're hoping people will come to us and tell us what they want.' The South Inch pavilion cafe has had a number of operators over the years. Sundeep says the Blend team are grateful to Perth and Kinross Council for all their support in getting the building ready to reopen. Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of the council's economy and infrastructure committee, says it's been a pleasure. 'It is fantastic to see Blend opening on the South Inch,' he said. 'The council has worked closely with Sundeep, and Fair City Community Football Club who have leased the rest of the pavilion, to bring the building back to life. 'I am sure this will be a huge success and a great addition to the South Inch.'

Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon
Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon

Daily Record

time5 days ago

  • Daily Record

Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon

Perth and Kinross Council voted to stop operating Perth Harbour as a commercial port in February 2023 but it remains open Perth and Kinross Council's leader has compared the efforts to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port to sending astronauts to the moon. In February 2023 councillors voted to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port but - over two years later - the port remains open despite only two vessels having used it in 2024/25. ‌ On Wednesday, May 28 councillors voted for Perth and Kinross Council to remain statutory harbour authority and close it as a commercial port but allow leisure use of Perth Harbour. ‌ The chairman of Perth Harbour Board - which has now been discontinued - Bailie Chris Ahern voiced his dissent at the meeting of PKC's Economy of Infrastructure Committee where the decision was made. As the committee gave its approval, SNP council leader Grant Laing said: "Everyone can agree it's taken a lot of time but there were a lot of attempts to put someone on the moon for the first time. If you're doing something for the first time, there are going to be setbacks." Moving it for approval, convener and deputy leader Eric Drysdale said: "The closure of a commercial harbour is not an easy option for this council or any council to take, but we have to balance the merits of continuing to run a loss-making harbour that is a drain on this council's finances against the benefits that may ensue through regeneration for leisure, tourism and nature conservation. ‌ "Discussions with Transport Scotland have concluded that the best course would be for the council to retain the statutory harbour authority duty but cease the competent harbour authority duties which will mean excluding commercial vessels over 24m. If agreed this will go to public consultation and will be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval in due course. "Can I also acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members over the past few years? Their efforts have been invaluable and I would like to extend the committee's thanks to them for their work." After councillors voted in February to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port, it was marketed for long-term lease. One bid was submitted which was withdrawn on September 8, 2023. ‌ On September 15, 2023, Perth and Kinross Council requested a meeting with Transport Scotland to progress the draft Harbour Revision Order (submitted in June 2023). A council timeline put before councillors said PKC officers were advised by Transport Scotland "they had not yet received legal advice and were unable to provide feedback" and added: "Several subsequent requests for a meeting made with the same result." In December 2023 Transport Scotland acknowledged formal submission of the application for Harbour Revision Order but requested more information, which was provided by PKC in January 2024. ‌ During the lengthy process it emerged it was the first time a statutory port authority had considered relinquishing its duties. Cllr Willie Robertson described the timeline of discussions between PKC and Transport Scotland - outlined in an appendix to the Perth and Kinross Council report - as "unbelievable" reading. The Kinross-shire Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Robertson questioned the "huge delays" and "the fact they continually have to be chased up to move this process forward". ‌ He added: "We can't allow Transport Scotland to cost this council more and more money that we don't need to spend." PKC's strategic lead for Economy, Development and Planning Serge Merone said the council was working with Transport Scotland on a "change of approach to help reduce any delays in the coming weeks to take that to a successful outcome". Cllr Robertson responded: "I don't think we can allow Transport Scotland's incompetence to go unmarked. For me, it's just not acceptable." ‌ He requested a letter be written to Scotland's Transport Minister outlining the issues. Convener Eric Drysdale said: "I do accept this has been a protracted process to date and lessons have to be learnt. I can assure you necessary steps will be taken." Council leader Grant Laing added: "The problem is this has never been done before to a commercial port so there was no framework to work with. There is no legal advice to work to. ‌ "I've been as frustrated as anyone but we had to make sure we were compliant with all legalities." He added: "At least there will be a framework now if any other port wants to close down. "It's groundbreaking to close the commercial port and I think the result is quite good that it gives us an opportunity to have more leisure in the harbour." ‌ Despite having "virtually no commercial traffic", PKC has had to continue commercial operations - during the long process - and comply with legislation and guidance, which has come at a cost. PKC reported a net expenditure of £208,000 as of March 31, 2024. The projected net expenditure as of March 31, 2025 is estimated at around £100,000 - depending on potential income from vessels - and includes the legal fees relating to the port closure. However, PKC sold the Fair Maid tugboat for £500,000 in 2023-24. ‌ The estimated annual cost for PKC to remain as statutory harbour authority for leisure use - rather than as a commercial port - is around £65,000. The costs include: rent and rates; a designated person to provide independent assurance of marine safety management; a qualified harbourmaster to ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code: maintenance; oil spill cover; replacement and repair of personal protective equipment, and running a website. Conservative leader John Duff said: "This is a sorry tale. Two years and four months ago we voted to close Perth Harbour and two years and four months later - somewhat belatedly - we're advised this is a first in the UK and it's too hard for Transport Scotland to conclude this and perhaps we should consider a Harbour Revision Order instead. "Objections could still mean this could take six to 18 months before we can rid ourselves of only some of the responsibilities in terms of running the harbour." He added: "Transport Scotland have certainly not covered themselves in glory in relation to the way and speed in which they have dealt with our situation and the various requests for information." The delays, in part, appear to have arisen from health and safety concerns for the remaining small vessel users of the harbour and ensuring maintenance and safety requirements would be met. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We have recently received information regarding a proposed Harbour Revision Order for Perth Harbour. Our aim is to work closely with all prospective applicants to ensure any final application and subsequent order is robust, both legally and from a policy perspective. This involves increased scrutiny in the pre-application stage which helps support those objectives."

EXCLUSIVE McDonald's Australia announces major change to its popular menu item: 'Our best one yet'
EXCLUSIVE McDonald's Australia announces major change to its popular menu item: 'Our best one yet'

Daily Mail​

time5 days ago

  • Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE McDonald's Australia announces major change to its popular menu item: 'Our best one yet'

McDonald's Australia has announced a major change to a popular menu item, which comes into effect nationwide. In a move that will interest coffee connoisseurs, Macca's has revealed it will be using a new blend for its McCafé coffees, starting Wednesday. The fast food chain is changing its coffee blend for the first time in four years, with the last update made in 2021. Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director of Menu and Brand for McDonald's Australia, said the change will be 'our best McCafé blend yet'. 'We refresh our coffee blend every four years to keep up with the evolving tastes of our customers and we reckon this one is the best one yet,' Ms Nakad told FEMAIL. 'We know how much our Aussie customers love coffee and care about the taste and quality of their brew – and so do we.' The coffee beans are sourced from around the world and shipped to a roastery in Melbourne, Australia's coffee capital. There, they are roasted and blended on-site into the new coffee blend. Like the previous brew, the new blend is made from 100 per cent Arabica coffee beans, sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. However, there are some subtle differences to the taste of the new takeaway coffee. The new blend includes four origins of coffee beans from Colombia, Honduras, Brazil and Ethiopia. As a result, coffee drinkers should expect the taste to feel richer and rounder with fruity and nutty notes. In addition to refining the taste of the coffee, Ms Nakad said confirmed that they remain committed to 'invest' in barista staff training and equipment to ensure quality and consistency of McCafe coffee across all their stores. McCafé is a true Aussie success story, having first launched in the laneways of Melbourne back in 1993. Today, the cafe serves up more than 300 million cups of barista-made coffee and hot drinks per year. This effectively means that one in five store-bought coffees in Australia are sold at McCafé. 'It's a brand that was created by coffee lovers for coffee lovers, and we're extremely proud to welcome this new blend to our loyal Aussie customers,' Ms Nakad said. The new blend comes hot on the heels of the limited-edition launch of Macca's matcha beverage range at select stores around Australia. The fast food restaurant chain is now selling a classic Matcha Latte ($4.60), an Iced Matcha Latte ($5.20) and a trendy Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte ($6.05). When FEMAIL contacted McDonald's Australia to enquire about the new matcha range, a spokesperson remained tight-lipped but offered a vague confirmation. 'Seeing green? Macca's is currently trialling a special treat in select restaurants across NSW and Victoria,' a McDonald's Australia spokesperson told FEMAIL. 'While we can't confirm anything further yet… We can say: stay tuned.' Sydney food blogger Nina was one of the first to break the news on social media about the little-known Matcha range spotted at Wynyard Station. 'Guess what?! McDonald's Australia has released matcha lattes. Finally matcha available at Macca's,' Nina said in her video. Nina said she purchased a medium iced matcha with oat milk for $6.40. 'Although they use syrup, the matcha flavour was strong with no bitterness - but it was very, very sweet,' she said in her verdict. 'Not very traditional, but the sugar sure was a great pick me up in the morning. To be honest I think I'll be buying this again.' The Sydney-based foodie posted a six-second video that has already been viewed more than 750,000 times, which showed her spotting the item on an in-store menu. The video shows the McDonald's store at Wynyard Station - along with a sign confirming the matcha range won't be around for long. 'Hurry limited time,' the sign read. The video has already notched up over 40,000 likes, and received hundreds of comments from excited customers. 'FINALLY MY DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE,' read one excited response. But the top-liked comment expressed disbelief about whether 'this is actually true'. This warranted skepticism stems from an incident last year when a 'fake' Macca's matcha drink caused a frenzy and disappointment among customers. Last year, a group of Melbourne friends filmed themselves apparently ordering a 'Strawberry Matcha' from a McDonald's Drive-Thru window as part of a social media prank. The staged video quickly sparked confusion among McDonald's customers, who soon reported being unable to find the drink anywhere in stores. The misinformation about the Macca's Strawberry Matcha got so out of hand that McDonald's eventually released a statement confirming the product did not exist. The subsequent outcry from social media fans led many to campaign for Macca's to develop their own drink featuring the popular green tea powder. Now, it appears their wish has come true as Macca's trials the new drinks range at select stores. In addition to the Wynyard Station, some other NSW locations where the range has quietly launched included Thornleigh, Bondi Junction, Wyong and Haberfield. In Melbourne, one fan noted that they'd seen it in the Doncaster store. Matcha lattes – and in particular strawberry matcha lattes – have soared in popularity in the last few years. The trendy iced strawberry matcha lattes are understood to have originated from Asian tea specialty stores, and became prolific on social media. The striking visual appeal of iced strawberry matcha lattes is one of the reasons why the drink went viral. Matcha is known for its health benefits, with the green tea powder renowned for being rich in antioxidants. It also contains fibre, vitamin C, chromium, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store