THE BARNABY BLOG - A LETTER OF GRATITUDE - FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2025

rob72401
3 days ago
2 min read

Running a small hospitality business has always been a labour of love, but I won't pretend it hasn't become increasingly challenging. The recent budget changes have added another layer of difficulty to an already demanding landscape. There are days when the weight of it all feels heavy, when the spreadsheets don't balance the way we'd hoped, and when we wonder what the future holds.

But then I walk through the doors of our two little spaces, and I'm reminded of why we do this.

These aren't just cafés or restaurants to us. They're community hubs. They're the places where friendships are forged over morning coffee, where regulars know each other by name, where celebrations are toasted and difficult days are softened by a warm meal and a kind word. They're where human connection happens in an age when it feels increasingly rare.

To every single person who has walked through our doors, ordered a coffee, shared a meal, or simply smiled at us across the counter: thank you. You are not just customers. You are the very fabric of what we've built. You are the reason we get up early, perfect our recipes, and put our hearts into every service. Without you, these spaces would be just empty rooms with tables and chairs. You've brought them to life.

I think of something Paddy (our general manager at T&T) used to say: "It's only coffee and eggs." He had a way of cutting through the stress and reminding us what really mattered. Yes, we're in the business of serving food and drink, but what we're really doing is creating moments. Moments of warmth, of community, of belonging. That's the gift you've given us by choosing to spend your time with us.

My family and I don't know exactly what the road ahead looks like. The landscape is uncertain, and we're taking it one day at a time. But whatever happens, please know this: the experience of building these two community spaces with you has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives.

Thank you for your loyalty, your kindness, and your support. Thank you for being part of our story.

With deep gratitude,

Rob, Amanda, Barnaby & Boo x