Farewell to the Jewel of the Neighbourhood

One Wednesday morning I was meeting a friend for a coffee in the Brown Hound bakery for an overdue catch up, I was craving the usual almond latte and their soul warming monkey bread. I pulled up outside and was greeted with an unusual sense of silence and lack of life instead of the usual buzzy bakery vibe; which normally consisted of the coffee run traffic, the positive humming of various conversations and being welcomed by the glorious rustic cakes proudly displayed behind the glass counter when you walk inside.

With regret, I read the announcement of closure sign, prominently displayed on the window front of the Brown Hound bakery and on the Eastern Seaboard restaurant also. I knew that the business had gone into examinership but I fully had believed that it would be saved, sure, it was too good to shut down!

I was genuinely sad to learn that they were closing down. I understand food and coffee businesses come and go, that’s life, people move on and things evolve. But that day I felt a strange sense of bereavement, this is not just any coffee shop or restaurant, this is the heart of our neighbourhood. This is the hub where we go to celebrate many special occasions; in the Eastern Seaboard the joy was shared with family and friends over wholesome food and we also spent many cosy date nights over a glass of red wine. We were so proud to have the brown hound bakery as part of our wedding celebrations by sharing their delicious cakes with our guests, whom were in awe of the wonderful display of the baked goods. Even if we hear bad news or feeling tired after an emotionally hard day we seek the comfort of the Brown Hound for a hot cuppa or a drink in the Eastern Seaboard. No matter what the occasion, happy or sad, I felt they understood.

I remember the first time I stepped into the restaurant ten years ago, I embraced the concrete floors and walls even when I didn’t understand it. The menus on the wooden clipboards were so different and informal but yet it worked. I’ve had many firsts here; such as my first espresso martini , American style ‘yams’ at Christmas, crab claws and a glass of amaretto over ice per barman’s recommendations. I have been converted to chicken wings, duck and many other foods I didn’t like before. I have learned to appreciate local food producers, try different flavours and new foods which encourages me to be more adventurous even in my own cooking.

To the owners Jeni and Reuven, I salute you. You guys brought colour and life into our neighbourhood with your daring style and passion. For not being afraid to push boundaries by creating delicious dishes using the best produce our county has to offer. You have influenced us more than you know and opened our minds more than you think. I am so sad that you and your hardworking team have had to experience such an abrupt end that was out of your control. But I do hope this is not the end, that you will begin a new chapter of doing what you do best, love and continue to spread that wonderful, sparkly, joy around.

I know, for sure, the next time I will have an espresso martini it will be to toast the Eastern Seaboard and Brown hound bakery for creating such wonderful memories for us that we will cherish forever :)