XS Espresso ready to open flagship venue in Emu Hall
After a long wait, XS Espresso in Emu Hall is open for business this Wednesday.
Penrith
Don't miss out on the headlines from Penrith. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- XS Espresso comes to Emu Hall
- NSW Fires: Western Sydney, Blue Mountains schools to close over fire risk
It’s been a long wait, but the new XS Espresso cafe in the historic Emu Hall will open this week.
After originally planning to open in August, owner Roky Gorgees said the new cafe will have its much-anticipated opening this Wednesday.
XS Espresso is a cafe chain known for indulgent desserts and shakes, and the Emu Plains cafe will become its flagship venue.
The expansive site, which sits on more than 10,000 sq m, will house a bar, restaurant and beer garden along with the XS Espresso for all-day dining.
Mr Gorgees, who opened the original XS Espresso in Wetherill Park in 2015, said he noticed a number of people coming to his cafes from Penrith, so he decided to take the concept to them.
“Emu Plains, especially beside the Nepean River, is such a community area for locals,” he said.
“Whether they come for a weekend river walk or have a picnic by the water, there is always a feeling of community in this area.
“We wanted to create a venue for the whole community to enjoy and there’s no better location in the Emu Plains and Penrith area.”
The cafe menu will match the existing XS Espressos, while the space will also have a new, separate menu for the bar and kitchen.
“We wanted to create a relaxing space where people can always go to, no matter the occasion,” Mr Gorgees said.
Mr Gorgees said he is considering hosting a wide range of events including weddings and birthdays at the site.
The heritage-listed property, which was built in 1852, was sold in January last year.
The Italianate-style riverside sandstone home near Victoria Bridge was built by James Tobias Ryan, who was a well-known character in the Penrith region.
Reminiscent of its early build, Emu Hall retains its original fireplaces, high ceilings and ornate cornices.