Dark Horse cafe rises from Lismore’s flood ruins

A new cafe has opened in Lismore and hopes to revitalise a city ravaged by floods. Here’s why the owners are taking the risk.

Prospective business owners may not consider Lismore as the first place to enter the market after unprecedented floods wiped out much in their wake.

But business duo Sam Drewe, 30, and Brendon Thurgate, 39, had other ideas - opening the Dark Horse cafe just 10 days ago.

Mr Thurgate - who managed Flock Espresso which was cruelled by the Lismore flood - believed the town needed a new cafe hub.

“That feeling of opening the front door and seeing mud everywhere and a collapsed ceiling was heartbreaking for all of us,” Mr Thurgate said.

Jade Hanlon with Dark Horse owners Sam Drewe and Brendon Thurgate.

Wading through the water at Flock Espresso, the horrors Mr Thurgate witnessed from a place he considered a second home motivated him to team up with boyfriend and business partner Sam Drewe.

“We want to give people a space to come to for a sense of normality,” Mr Thurgate said.

The duo recognised the importance of bringing life back to the Strand Arcade and surrounding area.

“There's a lot of positivity and buzz around, which is why we wanted to set up a new cafe, and push to get it open quick,” he said.

Dark Horse was opened in just under a month - two blocks down from Flock Espresso.

“It has two profound meanings. We’ve always loved horses and it's a fitting name coming out of such a crazy event,” Mr Thurgate said.

The hardworking team of Sam Drewe, Jade Hanlon, Brendon Thurgate, Triona Faull and Trystan Thomas opened Dark Horse just 10 days ago but have already seen a great reception in Lismore.

Mr Drewe said Lismore is starting to feel “normal” again.

“There’s new stuff opening every week and people are cheerful,” he said.

Although the pair live on high ground in Alstonville, they saw first-hand the pain wrought on the community and were aware of the gamble of starting a business on a flood-plain.

“It’s a risk, but we’ve designed it so everything can be removed if and when it floods again,” Mr Drewe said.

To that end the building features a concrete floor and maintains its iconic exposed brick wall, which was previously owned by Baskin Robbins.

Dark Horse features a concrete floor, solid brick walls and has been designed so everything in the shop can be moved if another flood threatens.

“It’s a very industrial building, Melbourne style,” Mr Drewe said.

Having already served coffees and toasties to many searching for a social hub, the pair have played a part in rallying the community together.

“Everyone’s been amazing and want Lismore to thrive,” Mr Drewe said.

With markets returning and a new-found focus on community spirit, Lismore is working its way back to being the place it was six months ago.