Lambretta’s reopens with a twist
Lambretta’s Cafe has reopened after 50 days, and its regular customers couldn’t be happier.
Owners Leanne and Rhys Odey decided to reopen without any fanfare last week. However, they hadn’t counted on the Nelson cafe’s regulars, who’d clearly missed their morning coffees, and the staff who make a point of remembering people’s names.
‘‘The first day we opened, we wanted to do it quietly, but so many people came in with flowers, excited to see we were open,’’ Leanne Odey said.
The cafe was closed for earthquake strengthening work, and the Odeys used the opportunity to make some big changes. With the help of the interior designer they used before they opened 19 years ago, they transformed the space, removing pillars to create an open-plan floor, and resurfacing walls.
Four exposed steel beams, added to strengthen the building, have been turned into a design feature, and the old pictures and artwork have been rehung on new concrete walls.
‘‘It’s been like starting over again. We’ve kept the theme, but with a different twist,’’ Odey said.
Although they’ve reopened in the middle of winter, the Odeys say they’ve enjoyed a flurry of business as regulars trickle back to their favourite coffee haunt. ‘‘We’re like a family, we like to make [Lambretta’s] welcoming. We know people’s names, and we like to support local events. We love our situation here.’’