Saint Hugos at Montrose: Ange and Chris Fidden bring new life to 150 year old church

A new cafe on the block north of Hobart has made the most of its old foundations – serving up otherworldly drinks and joy-filled meals in a building about 150 years old.

Saint Hugo's at Montrose. Picture: Chris Kidd

Montrose’s new cafe on the block has made the most of old foundations, serving brunch and joy in a building about 150 years old.

The repurposed church may no longer host Sunday worship, but there is something undeniably religious about the streaming natural light, toasted hues and warm smiles at Saint Hugo’s cafe.

Ange and Chris Fidden – who also own restaurant and cafe Angie Sue in Lauderdale – have made a point of maintaining community connections to the light-soaked building.

“Every week I hear something new about this place, it’s like everyone in this area has some sort of connection to it,” Ms Fidden said.

“For some people it was a church, others it was Sunday school, others it was for badminton, a repairs shop, a flooring shop – you name it.”

Ange and Chris Fidden in their new cafe Saint Hugo's at Montrose. Picture: Chris Kidd

Named after their 12-month-old baby, Saint Hugo’s has barely been open for two months, yet is already filling up tables and spilling outside.

Mr Fidden said they felt there was nothing quite like Saint Hugo’s in Montrose, and they wanted to seize the opportunity.

“Setting up the business with a baby has been very, very stressful – but it’s been very rewarding at the same time,” Mr Fidden said.

“We actually brought Hugo along on opening day so that people could make the connection with the name of the cafe and him, and Ange ended up spending the whole morning with him strapped to her chest.

“It was very funny but I think it gave people the right idea, that we’re a family-friendly – and dog-friendly – place, and everyone is welcome.”

Intended to be a place of laughter and comfort, even staff were hired for positive attitudes rather than extensive experience.

“It was a massive priority for us that this place was, quite simply, a fun place to be,” he said.

“We find ourselves joking around all the time; nothing’s ever too serious – so naturally, it was important that our staff had the same outlook.”

Ms Fidden said they were excited to be spearheading the next instalment in the old church’s life.

“The people here have a real attachment to this place, so we’re not here to change that, we’re here to be a part of it.”

Originally published as Saint Hugos at Montrose: Ange and Chris Fidden bring new life to 150 year old church