Cafe culture returns to Bay

A new cafe for Titahi Bay promises good food, good coffee and even the chance to hire a paddleboard.

Cafe 236 owner Jason Wilson acknowledges he and his partner Moana are taking a risk, but they have faith it will pay off.

The cafe will be in the set of three shops in Bay Rd, with a masseuse and sign-writing company on either side. There is ample parking opposite and the cafe is a stone’s throw from the beach.

The cafe takes its name from the first three digits of the suburb’s telephone numbers.

Mr Wilson is doing almost all of the fit-out and painting, and hopes to have the business ready in early December.

‘‘It’s been a cafe before, so there is a history there. I was asked to do some work on the building’s ceiling and the landlord came in, we got talking, and I made a decision on the spot. I’ve grown up in the Bay, I know we need a cafe here, and we’re going to make this a success. Shops have come and gone but if you have a good product, people will come.’’

It will be typical cafe fare, with muffins, scones, sandwiches, cold drinks and coffee (Ripe is the brand) available, with one special he knows will draw in the punters.

‘‘ I’m going to get paua from Chatham Islands Seafoods, fresh from the night before. Streaky bacon paua fritters will be a speciality. There is love going into this food.’’

There will be a ‘‘locals wall’’ for photos, and large scenic prints on another wall. Ten people can be comfortably seated indoors. There will also be outside tables and chairs.

Ocean Outfitters, Mana, has come on board and people will be able to hire paddleboards, Mr Wilson says.

‘‘I’m really excited, I can’t wait for it to be open. Realistically, we know it’s not going to make us millionaires but we’re going to keep it simple and we want to add something to the community.’’