Find Out Which Side Won After a Major Showdown Over This Cafe’s Dinner Plans—Will It Change Your Neighborhood Too?
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If you’ve ever lived near a bustling café, you’ll know the joys (and sometimes the headaches) that come with it. The aroma of fresh coffee wafting through the air, the cheerful hum of conversation, and the occasional clatter of cups can be a real treat—or a real nuisance, depending on your perspective. But what happens when your favourite local spot wants to extend its hours and start serving dinner? Well, in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn, that very question sparked a neighbourhood showdown that’s got everyone talking.
The Barton Milk Bar, a beloved fixture in the community since owner James Laskie opened its doors six years ago, recently found itself at the centre of a classic suburban tug-of-war. Known for its packed tables and loyal clientele (including a few high-profile locals—Carlton coach Michael Voss once made headlines there for chasing down a couple of car thieves!), Barton’s is no stranger to attention. But when they applied to extend their trading hours from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, not everyone was thrilled.
A total of 23 neighbours lodged formal objections, citing concerns about increased foot and road traffic, potential anti-social behaviour (especially with alcohol being served at dinner), and—of course—noise. Some worried that the extended hours would disrupt the 'quiet and family-oriented character' of their street. One resident, who shares a wall with the café and has a one-year-old baby, told the council she already hears conversations, music, and banging, and feared it would only get worse. Another objector, Courtney Irvine, called the proposal 'intrusive and completely unacceptable in a quiet residential street.' And let’s not forget John Bortoli, who was particularly concerned about the 'smell of bacon' drifting into his home in the mornings!
On the other side of the fence, Barton’s supporters rallied with equal passion. A whopping 267 people signed a petition backing the dinner service, and the café even received a glowing endorsement from former premier and ex-Hawthorn MP Ted Baillieu. Local Montserrat Pezzimenti pointed out that the area had previously hosted the Whitehorse Inn Hotel, a busy pub that operated for years without major issues. 'This is 10 o’clock, for God’s sake. It’s not one, two or three in the morning,' he argued, highlighting the relatively modest nature of the proposed extension.
Even former Labor MP for Hawthorn, John Kennedy, who now lives in a nearby retirement village, threw his support behind the café, suggesting that a vibrant local business can be a real asset to the community—especially for those who enjoy a good meal out without having to travel far.
After much debate, the local council made its decision: Barton Milk Bar would be allowed to extend its hours, with a resounding nine-to-one vote in favour. The only dissenting councillor suggested a 9pm closing time instead, but the final permit included a clause requiring all closure work to be finished by 10pm. Owner James Laskie has already said he plans to wrap up dinner service by 9pm, striking a balance between business growth and neighbourhood peace.
Mayor Sophie Torney summed up the situation perfectly: 'Balancing residential amenity with the needs of a growing urban centre is not always easy.' And she’s right—our cities and suburbs are changing, and sometimes that means a little give and take on both sides.
So, what does this mean for the rest of us? Well, it’s a reminder that local businesses and residents both have a stake in the character of our neighbourhoods. Cafés and restaurants can bring life, jobs, and a sense of community, but it’s important to listen to the concerns of those who live nearby. With a bit of compromise and a lot of conversation, it’s possible to find solutions that work for everyone.
Have you ever experienced a similar debate in your area? Do you think local cafés should be allowed to extend their hours, or do you side with the neighbours who want to keep things quiet? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your stories and opinions in the comments below!
Read more: Simple dispute puts thriving café at risk of shutting down, leaving its future uncertain
The Barton Milk Bar, a beloved fixture in the community since owner James Laskie opened its doors six years ago, recently found itself at the centre of a classic suburban tug-of-war. Known for its packed tables and loyal clientele (including a few high-profile locals—Carlton coach Michael Voss once made headlines there for chasing down a couple of car thieves!), Barton’s is no stranger to attention. But when they applied to extend their trading hours from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, not everyone was thrilled.
A total of 23 neighbours lodged formal objections, citing concerns about increased foot and road traffic, potential anti-social behaviour (especially with alcohol being served at dinner), and—of course—noise. Some worried that the extended hours would disrupt the 'quiet and family-oriented character' of their street. One resident, who shares a wall with the café and has a one-year-old baby, told the council she already hears conversations, music, and banging, and feared it would only get worse. Another objector, Courtney Irvine, called the proposal 'intrusive and completely unacceptable in a quiet residential street.' And let’s not forget John Bortoli, who was particularly concerned about the 'smell of bacon' drifting into his home in the mornings!
Barton Milk Bar in Hawthorn has received council approval to extend its dinner trading hours until 10 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Credit: @barton.milkbar / Instagram
On the other side of the fence, Barton’s supporters rallied with equal passion. A whopping 267 people signed a petition backing the dinner service, and the café even received a glowing endorsement from former premier and ex-Hawthorn MP Ted Baillieu. Local Montserrat Pezzimenti pointed out that the area had previously hosted the Whitehorse Inn Hotel, a busy pub that operated for years without major issues. 'This is 10 o’clock, for God’s sake. It’s not one, two or three in the morning,' he argued, highlighting the relatively modest nature of the proposed extension.
Even former Labor MP for Hawthorn, John Kennedy, who now lives in a nearby retirement village, threw his support behind the café, suggesting that a vibrant local business can be a real asset to the community—especially for those who enjoy a good meal out without having to travel far.
After much debate, the local council made its decision: Barton Milk Bar would be allowed to extend its hours, with a resounding nine-to-one vote in favour. The only dissenting councillor suggested a 9pm closing time instead, but the final permit included a clause requiring all closure work to be finished by 10pm. Owner James Laskie has already said he plans to wrap up dinner service by 9pm, striking a balance between business growth and neighbourhood peace.
Mayor Sophie Torney summed up the situation perfectly: 'Balancing residential amenity with the needs of a growing urban centre is not always easy.' And she’s right—our cities and suburbs are changing, and sometimes that means a little give and take on both sides.
So, what does this mean for the rest of us? Well, it’s a reminder that local businesses and residents both have a stake in the character of our neighbourhoods. Cafés and restaurants can bring life, jobs, and a sense of community, but it’s important to listen to the concerns of those who live nearby. With a bit of compromise and a lot of conversation, it’s possible to find solutions that work for everyone.
Read more: Simple dispute puts thriving café at risk of shutting down, leaving its future uncertain
