The Grove set to help Portland's growing tourist attraction

Cafe owner Merryn Groves, who grew up in Portland and went to high school at La Salle Academy, said she had always wanted to design and run her own cafe. 

When Merryn had her first baby she took time off work from Bathurst Regional Council and, after a year, didn't like the idea of commuting for two or three days' work. 

"Around October, November last year I started taking the idea of running a cafe more seriously," she said. 

Merryn said she noticed a 'for lease' sign in the building next to the pub and inquired with the landlords. 

"It just snowballed from there and just never ended and now here we are," she said. 

Trying to set up a fully functioning cafe while looking after a one-year-old has been challenging according to Merryn. 

"It has gone smoother then expected, which is good," she said. 

With a partner, brother and father who are carpenters and electricians, Merryn said they have been able to take the blank canvas to the next level. 

"It has been amazing, because just two weeks before opening the cafe was empty," she said. 

Merryn gave herself a deadline of March 6 to get everything done and up until midnight of March 5 she was still putting finishing touches on everything. 

"My brother built the shelving and my partner Tom made custom tables," she said. 

"I wanted everything to feel genuine, as though we are now a permanent stop and aren't going anywhere." 

The cafe, which has a country chic vibe, is a place in which Merryn hopes to promote happiness and inclusiveness. 

"I want to show my support for other local businesses and as a community be proud of each other and work together," she said. 

Having felt the community's support thus far, Merryn would like to increase Portland's reputation as a destination town. 

"I would love to help put Portland on the map, with my cafe as another option for people to come to for the first time or as a place to come back to," she said. 

Merryn said her favourite item on the menu was the cream puffs with toffee, which was a huge hit with her family.

The cafe uses Merryn's grandparents recipes, with all food being home made. 

"It is simple, locally sourced food...it is a reflection of me, simple but done well," she said. 

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Family has been a big part of her journey with both her grandparents coming in to help, according to Merryn. 

"The support is nice, they come in and do washing up, just wanting to help any way they can," she said. 

"They are absolutely amazing, I have inspiration from them with my cooking and they love coming and helping out or minding my son. 

"I couldn't do it without them or my partner." 

Merryn has big plans for the cafe, already working on a BnB for the rooms above the cafe. 

"It is another blank space we can work with, but I want it to tie in with the vibe of the cafe," she said. 

The cafe is open Wednesday to Friday from 6.30am until 2pm and Saturday 7am until 3pm. 

For more information and updates you can follow The Grove on Facebook and Instagram. 

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