Liza stakes claim for gallery cafe
IT'S BEEN six months since No.1 Duke Street opened its doors in Grafton and owner Liza Bloomer already has her sights set on a new challenge.
The scrumptious coffee and cake available on the banks of the Mighty Clarence could soon be available in Grafton Regional Art Gallery after Ms Bloomer expressed an interest in running a cafe in the space.
The lease for the premises is up for grabs when well-loved restaurant Georgies moves out at the end of the month.
The new establishment would be a daytime cafe instead of a restaurant and Ms Bloomer sees the potential it offers.
"I've been a long-time supporter of the gallery in lots of different ways," she said.
"It's important to have some sort of facility just to be able to get a coffee and a cake when people visit.
"The gallery is an important institution and this is a great opportunity."
Before starting a family, Ms Bloomer enjoyed a career in hospitality and ventured into her own cafe a few years ago, before opening No.1 Duke Street.
But a cafe at the gallery is a way off being a signed deal.
The expression of interest went to Clarence Valley Council's committee meeting this week.
It is understood councillors discussed employing a consultant to look into the three-year lease.
This will need to be ratified at the ordinary meeting in two weeks.
