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There’s a gorgeous new spot to settle in for coffee, warm toasties and a little chocolate indulgence in McLaren Vale, with South Australian favourite Bracegirdle’s House of Fine Chocolate finally opening the doors to its new home.
After almost a year searching for the perfect location, the much-loved chocolatier has brought new life to a historic Main Road building, transforming it into a welcoming café with charming interiors, outdoor seating and a spacious lawn that’s already proving popular with visitors.
And according to owner Sue Bracegirdle, the response from their soft opening couldn’t have been better.
“Resounding from everybody that walked in the door, could not believe what we’ve done to the building,” Sue said.
“They love that it was being reinvigorated to become a space people could use and love, it was really positive.”
The beautiful weather over opening weekend saw customers soaking up the sunshine on the property’s spacious lawn, offering a taste of what’s to come as the café settles into its new home.
And although the indoor and outdoor areas are welcoming customers, the venue is currently operating with a reduced menu while work on the main kitchen is finishing up.
But for now, visitors can enjoy the café’s drinks selection, handcrafted chocolates, cakes and desserts, alongside a small range of savoury options prepared in the functioning dessert kitchen.
Toasted sandwiches have already proven popular, particularly the classic ham, cheese and tomato, and a Reuben filled with pastrami and sauerkraut.
Currently, around half of the building is operational, with Sue estimating the café will be fully up and running within the next two weeks.
The move marks an exciting new chapter for the family-owned chocolate business, which spent 14 years at its former standalone McLaren Vale location before facing the prospect of leaving the town altogether.
After temporarily operating from another Main Road address, the team secured the historic property, which dates back to the 1800s and was previously home to The Daily Grind.
While the café’s full opening is just around the corner, Sue also has her sights set on another exciting addition to the property.
Image: Paul Kruse
“We are hoping to get a lovely cellar too that opens up to the lawn area,” she said.
The cellar space has never previously been used, presenting another opportunity to make the most of the historic building and its surrounding grounds.
Customers are finally able to settle into the new space and see the transformation for themselves, with plenty more still to come.
Bracegirdle’s House of Fine Chocolate McLaren Vale
Where: 145 Main Road, McLaren Vale
When: Open now
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