Haven Hello

swapped the city scenes of Melbourne for the community spirit of Broome, café owners spot

Light, bright, lofty and perched on a corner spot in the heart of bustling Chinatown, Haven is the latest brunch spot breathing new life into Broome with its uplifting aesthetic and welcoming feel.

Having left Broome several years ago to open a café in Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, owners Nick and Scott were drawn back by the pull of Broome as their own magnetic haven. In October 2023, an opportunity presented itself, and they seized it, enamoured by the charming corner location that had the potential to become a beloved community hub.

"Broome is our ‘haven’," says Nick. "It’s a sanctuary, and we want to share it with everyone. We want our café to be a sanctuary for many people — whether they be locals or visitors. It’s a place that makes you feel safe and comfortable."

An experienced chef of over 20 years, Scott had previously been head chef in other eateries here in Broome, developing a strong understanding of what makes a kitchen here run smoothly and keeps the clientele coming back.

“We feel that Haven brings a city-style brunch experience to Broome but doesn’t lose the Broome small town charm. We combine specialty coffee, with elevated brunch classics and friendly customer service,” says Scott and Nick.

“The vision for our menu is to re-create brunch classics with a twist. We like to do things a little bit differently and take it up a notch.”

Some of the standout dishes that have quickly become customer favourites include the Corn Fritters, served with poached eggs, tomato and corn salsa, avocado, tacospiced hummus, and tomato jalapeno relish. Another popular choice is the Pulled Pork Eggs Benny, known for its generous portion size. And then there's the Haven Feast, their take on a Big Breakfast, offering a sampling of various delightful flavours, especially popular on Sunday mornings.

In addition to dine-in options, you can also pick up fresh grab-and-go bites to keep you going as you explore around town.

Having just opened its doors in April

(2024), the menu is set to evolve with the seasons. Changes will be made as the wet season approaches and again in preparation for the dry season, ensuring that the offerings remain fresh and exciting.

As far as the coffee is concerned, it’s as fresh as it gets. Provided by Western Australian speciality roasters, Little Owl Coffee Roasters, Nick says the locals are big fans of the morning brew here. And when visitors catch wind it’s on par with the quality renowned of Melbourne, they’re straight there to sample it for themselves.

Melburnian-influence aside, Haven fits seamlessly into the cultural fabric of Broome, a town renowned for its melting pot of cultures. "Haven has created a new space for Broome residents to meet. We feel Haven contributes to bringing people together," says Nick.

The atmosphere at Haven is meticulously crafted to be bright, light, and welcoming. Predominantly white decor creates a calming and fresh space, a city-style café that retains Broome's unique charm. It’s a place where you can unwind, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak in the vibrant yet relaxed ambiance of Chinatown.

The best part for Nick and Scott? Living and working in Broome offers the perfect blend of work-life balance.

"It’s an amazing place to meet people from all around the world," says Nick. "Particularly our employees, who are a vibrant mix of locals and backpackers from many different countries.

“Broome provides the perfect place to live all round — winters are warm, and the summer months offer an amazing opportunity to unwind and enjoy the tropical weather."

Haven is not just a café; it is a community hub, a place where memories are made over great food and exceptional coffee. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Haven welcomes you with open arms, offering a sanctuary in the heart of Broome's vibrant Chinatown. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave feeling like part of the family.

Shop 17, Paspaley Plaza, Broome (08) 9192 7509