Near to the site of Holbrook’s famous submarine sits the Submarine Cafe, captained for many a long year by Helen and Warren; so long, in fact, that their customers go back generations.
“It’s very rewarding, I thoroughly enjoy it. What makes it special is the return clientele; people I’ve known for years. They first came to visit [the submarine], then had their children, and now their children are coming back with their children,” Helen explains. “It’s like family coming home, every single day. I always tell people ‘my house is your house — make yourself at home!’.”
The young staff are also part of the Submarine Cafe family. “A lot of our staff started out with us when they were only 15 and they stay with us until they go off to university. It’s very rewarding.”
The Submarine Cafe’s menu is fresh with gluten-free options. “We like to offer customers what we enjoy ourselves. And when you order something, we go and make it. Everything is fresh.” For example, the beef patties for their hamburgers, and a “wonderful” Thai Chicken Focaccia made using Warren’s secret recipe.
“We also cater to coeliacs; Warren makes the gluten-free bread and that brings people in. And we offer a beautiful variety of homemade soups, just like grandma used to make. We try to focus our menu on things you can’t get anywhere else in town — fresh and gluten-free options.”
The Submarine Cafe is open 8.30am-3.30pm; currently closed Thursdays.
