Heathmont’s Barclays Cafe closes after 17 years as owners served eviction notice

UPDATE: Barclays Cafe owner Steve Wilson says ongoing health issues forced him to walk away from his popular Heathmont cafe — and he would have died there if he continued.

Heathmont's Barclays Cafe has shut down after its owners were issued an eviction notice on Tuesday. Picture: Kiel Egging.

UPDATE: Barclays Cafe owner Steve Wilson says ongoing health issues following a heart attack forced him to walk away from his popular Heathmont cafe — and he would have died there if he continued.

Maroondah Leader revealed yesterday Barclays Cafe suddenly shut down on Monday after 17 years trading at the western end of Heathmont Village.

A status on the cafe’s Facebook page, which has since been deleted, said Barclays was closed “due to the health of the owner” and a similar notice has been placed at its entrance.

Barclays Cafe advises customers of its closure. Picture: Kiel Egging.

A Google search for the cafe indicates it is “permanently closed”.

But an eviction notice from Ray White Nunawading and building owners John and Brenda Boer was posted on the front window on Tuesday.

The notice declared the leasee, Wine Shine Dine Pty Ltd, had breached the conditions of the lease and they were required to“quit and deliver up the premises” from September 24.

The eviction notice on the front window of Barclays Cafe in Heathmont. Picture: Kiel Egging.

Mr Wilson, who took over the cafe in 2014, confirmed the cafe had permanently closed and said he informed staff of the decision on Sunday.

He said he was unsure why the eviction notice was served as he had already left the premises.

Mr Wilson suffered a heart attack in April and had open heart surgery in May. He faces more surgery next month.

Barclays Cafe owner Steve Wilson in happier times last year.

Mr Wilson told Maroondah Leader said he made the decision with his wife to sell the business while he recovered in hospital.

“The regular customers would know for a long time I’ve not been well,” Mr Wilson said.

“The people of Heathmont are fantastic, our customers are fantastic, but it’s hard work, and unfortunately I was there every day and my body is saying I can’t do that anymore.

“The previous owner died while she owned Barclays, and I don’t want that to happen me.”

According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, a wind-up order for Mr Wilson’s company, Wine Shine Dine Pty Ltd, was issued by Aqua Investments on April 9. The matter was to be heard in the Supreme Court on May 15.

Mr Wilson said he was informed of the order once he got out of hospital — roughly a week before the hearing.

He said he paid money owed to Aqua Investments and settled the matter out of court a month later.

Mr Wilson said he had found a buyer to take over the cafe in August but the deal later fell through.

He hoped the cafe would find new owners and Barclays would continue.

“It’s been our lives for five years … it’d be nice if it was still there,” Mr Wilson.

“It’s not been a financial decision, if I stay something will go wrong, it’s a lifestyle change and time to move on.”

Cafe regulars took to social media last night in shock over Barclays’ closure.

Peter Sonsie, who has lived in Heathmont for 40 years, said he was surprised by the cafe’s abrupt closure having dined there on Sunday.

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“We were up here on Sunday and nothing was said, so I was surprised when I walked by on Monday and it was shut,” he said.

”If there’s a new owner, I hope they open again soon.

“We love sitting out the front with the dogs … it’s been a big part of the village and people have been coming for years.”

Jennifer Enslow-Williams, who owns a florist next to the cafe, said she feared her shop and others in the village would take a hit due to Barclays’ closure.

“It’s very sad because Barclays was an icon,” she said.

“Everyone’s business will suffer and that’s why I hope locals will still support us even though there’s no cafe here.”

The building’s landlords have been contacted through Ray White Nunawading for comment.

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