Meet Percy Plunkett: The new kid with old-school charm
Set in a heritage house enclosed by a white picket fence, new cafe Percy Plunkett could be at home on a film set.
Penrith
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Set in a heritage house enclosed by a white picket fence, new cafe Percy Plunkett could be at home on a film set.
An almost year-long refurbishment of the heritage building at the entrance to Nepean Village on Station St strikes a balance between the classic and the contemporary.
Named after the building’s second owner, Percy Plunkett was opened two months ago by local Phillip Hallani.
“We loved the name and he had a lot of history,” Hallani said.
The 120-seat cafe houses a range of dining spaces, from an outdoor deck — where blankets are provided for warmth — to cosy indoor nooks.
When Hallani found the site, it ended a more than 10-year search for the perfect location for a Penrith cafe.
“This has been a dream of mine since high school,” he said.
The born and bred local grew up in hospitality, including at the popular venue Hallani’s in Kingswood.
“We wanted to open something special in Penrith,” he said.
He put together a team of local staff including head chef Justin Ristevski, of Emu Plains, and got to work.
Over the 11 months that it took to Percy Plunkett up and running, Hallani met relatives of the three previous owners and enjoyed pouring over old black and white photographs of the home and its occupants.
“You’re running a business that has so much history, and that’s what makes it special,” he said.
Percy Plunkett has already become a go-to place for locals, with hour waits on weekends for a table.
The modern Australian menu offers variety — from gnocchi in a truffle sauce to a Reuben sandwich — as well as creative freedom for Ristevski and his kitchen team.
One of the most popular menu items is the indulgent deep dish pancakes topped with caramel sauce, white chocolate mousse, caramelised banana, blueberries and crushed pistachios.
“Every week we make more pancakes, but we sell more,” Hallani said.
Their traditional scones with jam and whipped cream are also popular, and pair perfectly with a Mothersky coffee.
Hallani’s passion and energy for hospitality — he says he devours books on restaurateurs — are matched only by his pride for his local area.
And while his long held dream has finally become a reality, he already has plans for how to add to Percy Plunkett’s offering — pointing out additions here and ideas there.
Stay tuned, Penrith.
The Verdict: Four stars
The Price: $$$
The Details: Open from 7am-4pm at the Nepean Village on Station St, Penrith, percyplunkett.com