Beach Cafe Malabar forced to close as eviction notice lists unpaid rent and insurance costs

A long-standing cafe with spectacular views in Sydney’s southeast has been forced to shut its doors after drowning in rent and insurance debt, according to a notice pinned to its door.

The owners of Beach cafe Malabar have been evicted after seven years running the seaside venue. Picture: Google Maps

A humble, family-run cafe with stunning views of Sydney’s southeast coast has been forced to close.

Those passing the beige seaside building which homes “Beach Cafe Malabar” on the weekend noticed the doors of the cafe were shut and a “notice of re-entry” had been slapped on the window.

The notice, written by the landlord’s lawyer, ordered the business to shut immediately after the owners allegedly failed to pay their full rent over three months from November 2021 to January 2022.

According to the letter, $463.25 was still owed for each month — on top of $2,529 in insurance costs which were allegedly due on July 19.

“Now therefore take notice that the Landlord hereby enters into and upon the premises to the intent that the Lease and the terms thereof shall forthwith absolutely cease and determine; and thereby requires the Tenant to quit and deliver up possession of the Premises forthwith,” the letter read.

Nick Illek, the landlord’s lawyer, said the tenant had refused to pay rent and insurance payments due.

“The tenant has always paid its rent and outgoings for the past eight years of its tenancy,” Mr Illek said.

He said there was now a dispute with the tenant regarding its demand for more Covid Rent Assistance, which the landlord did not agree was owed, and in respect of insurance coverage payments.

“The tenant was given numerous opportunities (almost two years) to remedy the unpaid rent arrears and unpaid insurance, and outright has refused to do so,” he said.

The once popular cafe has seen brighter days. Picture: Facebook

Nearby residents expressed shock at the closure of a business which had been running for seven years.

Virginia Franklin said the business appeared to struggle with staff shortages, like much of the industry, for some time.

The cafe has unrivalled coastal views. Picture: Facebook

“Most of the staff were really young and doing their best but were clearly tired,” Ms Franklin said.

“It’s sad to see it couldn’t survive. But I’m sure another business will step in quickly. It’s such a beautiful spot.”

Other locals took to social media to reminisce on the venue’s deep history.

“Remember when you could get petrol there a long time ago … 42 cents for a gallon of petrol in the mower fuel can,” one person wrote.

Residents saw this notice stuck to the cafe’s door on the weekend. Picture: Facebook

“There’s a lot of history on that corner … If only the walls could talk,” another comment read.

Many of the more than 100 comments on a Facebook post about the closure outlined what people would like to see there next.

A fish and chip shop, cocktail bar and Mexican Restaurant were among the suggestions.

But others reminded people the owner had lost his business after “working seven days a week for seven years” and asked people to be considerate.

The prime real estate at 59 Bay Pde looks out onto the scenic Malabar Headland.

The Beach Cafe Malabar owners have been contacted for comment.