HISTORY

You can still faintly see ‘We support the producers’ painted above the verandah as you exit Cliffy’s main door - this philosophy has always been at the heart of Cliffy’s for many years.

The cafe is named after Cliffy Hauser, who ran a store from this shopfront from 1955 selling a myriad of things including grocery items, tobacco, and even the odd kitchen sink! Cliffy also offered a delivery service, taking grocery items to many around town.

The building dates back further than just 1955, with evidence of a general store in 1900 run by RC Densem.

After Cliffy Hauser’s passing in the late 80s/early 90s, the property was subdivided and sold off separately. Jeff & Donna Thornycroft opened a nursery and florist on the east side of the property, Tina Banitska opened ‘Clifford’s Empire’ in what is now the cafe, and the barn behind was later converted to accommodation.

After Clifford’s Empire closed, Mary Ellis (dec) and Geoffrey Gray (dec) opened Cliffy’s Emporium - a cafe and produce store that became well known for being overflowing with produce from all over, and famously refusing the service of skinny milk, decaf, chai.

Owners changed hands a few more times of the years, and fortunately, Cliffy’s has been well looked after with the original shelves and counters remaining intact and retaining its country charm.

We’re very proud to be the current custodians and carry on the legend that is Cliffy’s.