Hinterland cafe in Mt Nathan: Owner reveal plans to revamp popular historic venue

The owners of a hinterland cafe thrown into turmoil after a lessee allegedly walked out have revealed exciting plans to relaunch the venue. Here’s what they have in store.

The owners of the Historic Rivermill Cafe in Mount Nathan have called for expressions of interest amid plans to relaunch the venue into a “premier eco-entertainment farm retreat”. 

They are seeking a cafe operator or branding partner to come on board after the sudden exit of the former lessee and chef last month. 

While this initially caused concern for future bookings, the business has since bounced back by hosting a pop-up cafe for Father’s Day and a wedding. 

Liansu Yu, who is currently overseas and was not involved in the day-to-day operation of the cafe, bought the popular hinterland venue shortly after months of turmoil caused by the Covid pandemic with plans to return it to its former glory. 

An expressions of interest notice described the cafe as a “beacon of serenity in the Gold Coast hinterland”.  

The Historic Rivermill Cafe. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Recent operational challenges have prompted us to seek potential operational partnerships,” it said. 

“As we move forward, we’re inspired by successful ventures like The Farm, but we aim to carve our niche, focusing on animal-centric experiences, especially with horses, set against our picturesque riverside backdrop. 

“Our ambition for Historic Rivermill is to evolve it into a premier eco-entertainment farm retreat and showground.” 

A horse show and eco-friendly accommodation were flagged as part of the planned transformation. 

“We envision (the venue as) presenting a unique blend of entertainment, nature and hospitality that ensures memorable experiences for every visitor,” it stated. 

“This could include ventures like horse therapy, a retail wine shop, eco lodgings and horse shows.” 

Anyone with an upcoming event booked at the venue is being urged to contact the Historic Rivermill to ensure these continue as planned.

EARLIER: COUPLE LEFT SCRAMBLING AFTER SUDDEN CLOSURE

A couple has been left scrambling to find a caterer and bar staff after their wedding venue abruptly closed just two weeks out from their nuptials.

The beloved Historic Rivermill Cafe at Mt Nathan is in chaos after its lessee and chef allegedly walked out on the business, leaving customers and staff in the lurch.

Upcoming wedding, birthday and Father’s Day bookings have been impacted.

In a post on Facebook, a Gold Coast woman said her friend was due to get married at the venue next Friday.

A couple’s wedding venue closed two weeks out from their nuptials.

She said the drama had left her friend without a caterer, bar and alcohol for her wedding.

“We need help,” the woman wrote.

“If you’re a vendor and have availability, or if you can recommend an amazing affordable caterer, please let me know.

“We are thinking we will also have to source our own alcohol and maybe a barman if there’s no staff.”

Catering companies have since offered to help the bride.

Local business owner Jodie Alderton said she stepped up to keep the cafe’s doors open after the lessee’s alleged sudden exit last Wednesday.

The Rivermill’s website has been shut down.

The lessee was contacted for a response via numerous calls and texts but did not provide one by deadline.

Ms Alderton said she was preparing to move her Harmony Hooves Healing Hearts business to the Rivermill property last weekend when the drama unfolded.

Jodie Alderton has reopened the cafe in the interim. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The cafe is surrounded by farmland and animals, making it a popular wedding venue.

A site manager is continuing to look after the animals.

Ms Alderton became aware of an issue with the cafe when she arrived last Thursday to find two busloads of customers with bookings waiting outside.

“All the staff got a text from (the lessee) last Wednesday afternoon saying the cafe is closed forever,” she said.

The historic Rivermill property in Mount Nathan.

With the property owners currently out of the country, Ms Alderton said she was given their blessing to open the cafe last Thursday and Friday for coffee, cakes and scones.

She has since been made aware of multiple future bookings at the cafe, including birthdays.

Anyone with an upcoming booking at the cafe is urged to contact Ms Alderton on Facebook.

“I just want people to know I’m not responsible for it,” she said.

“I just stepped up and put my hand up to save the community, so people could actually still be there on the weekend.

“Please reach out if you have got a booking here, because I don’t know what is coming up.”

The cafe will remain open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday over the coming weeks for coffee, tea and cake only.

No food from the kitchen will be available.

On-site food trucks are being organised for Father’s Day weekend.