Little Woodpecker in Blackburn North opens doors to functions, parties

A popular Blackburn North brunch and coffee spot has begun opening its doors to locals’ many requests for functions and parties.

Little Woodpecker caters to all dietary needs for its functions.

A popular Blackburn North brunch and coffee spot has begun opening its doors to functions and parties.

Little Woodpecker has entertained a range of events, including a Christmas party, 1st birthday party, a kitchen tea and a 21st birthday, since its floor space was expanded late last year.

Owner Tanya Baharian said her team’s focus for events was ensuring hosts felt comfortable and that everything was taken care of for them.

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“The main thing is making everyone feel happy and everyone feel comfortable,” she said.

The cafe’s homemade banana bread and the Middle Eastern buddha bowl.

Ms Baharian said she had never intended on putting on functions, but had begun accepting the many requests she had from locals since she expanded the cafe in September, when she took over the lease next door.

Ms Baharian said she was loving the new venture and it was something she planned to continue, with there being a shortage of venue options for functions in the area.

She estimated the space could host up to 80 guests for stand-up events.

Little Woodpecker Cafe owner Tanya Baharian at her cafe. Picture: Ian Currie

The longtime hospitality worker opened Little Woodpecker three years ago this month, making a return to the street where she was born and raised. Ms Baharian formally set up Food Merchant cafe on Prospect St, Box Hill, but recently sold the business.

Little Woodpecker was one of three finalists for the Micro Business Award in the 2018 Whitehorse Excellence in Business Awards. Ms Baharian said she had been thrilled to have been nominated by her customers, with the majority living in nearby streets and walking to her cafe.

The cafe can be found on Katrina St, Blackburn North. Picture: Ian Currie

It’s the place to get a custom roast coffee and real, whole foods.

Ms Baharian said her cafe only served fresh, organic products, with the menu based around in-season fruit and vegetables.

“I swear by everything on the plate,” she said.

She also works to make the business environmentally friendly.

It’s plastic-free, serving takeaway in cardboard boxes with wooden knives and forks and customers can take home used coffee grounds for their gardens if they BYO container. Located at 55 Katrina St, its open seven days a week.

Details: littlewoodpecker.com.au