BARISTA TRIO STEP INTO NIGHT LIFE
A TRIO of gun Hobart baristas who opened their first specialty coffee cafe together in Sandy Bay last September have revealed plans for an internal refit to enable them to operate as a sleek aperitivo bar three nights a week.
Bryan Teo, Kai Ngui and Turuu Lkhagva opened Area 2BE at Mayfair Shopping Plaza on September 3.
The trio are familiar faces in Hobart’s bean scene: Mr Lkhagva is the owner of Moonah favourite District B Specialty Coffee, while Mr Teo and Mr Ngui formerly worked together at Sandy Bay institution Sash Coffee. Now, following on from a successful four months in business together, the trio are looking to cater to the discerning evening crowd.
“In Area 2BE, we want to provide people a one-stop point to come as a
destination, rather than just one product: good coffee, a little bit of a snack, but also alcohol with friends before or after dinner,” Mr Teo said.
“We thought about a cocktail bar, but that was a little bit too specific. But an aperitivo bar, with little tiny bits of food and alcohol, it’s similar to Sonny and Ogee, although they are much more specialised in their wine lists.”
Under the plan, Area 2BE would open three nights a week, Thursday to Saturday, serving drinks and small plates. “We are still deciding the type of cuisine, probably French or Italian,” Mr Teo said.
There would also be an internal refit of the tenancy, an application for which has already been approved by the City of Hobart.
Area 2BE is currently awaiting its liquor licence from Treasury and Finance Tasmania to progress its plan.