Cafe Guitar Toowoomba to close with owners set to refocus on Bandland

After three years of hosting an array of talented musicians, one of Toowoomba’s most unique cafes will close its doors at the end of the month.

Toowoomba’s live music scene will be one venue smaller by the end of the month, with Cafe Guitar announcing that January 29 will be its last day.

Owner Katie Eastaugh launched Cafe Guitar in 2019 to complement her husband Steven’s music store Bandland, located next door.

Mrs Eastaugh said Cafe Guitar quickly emerged into a live music coffee shop that hosted an array of talented musicians and artists of all genres and styles.

“Cafe life has always challenging, but this has been the most exciting and rewarding experience for me working with talented people, as there is always something to learn in a live music cafe,” she said.

Steve and Katie Eastaugh close Cafe Guitar to concentrate on Bandland. Friday, January 14, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“There’s been so many highlights in the cafe life that made it, such as the customers, especially from out of town, enjoying the local talent in a simple lifestyle cafe in Toowoomba’s CBD.

“The old style touches within the display of guitars gave an extension of Bandland’s quirky and hig- end stock, displayed in such a beautiful historic building.

“Meeting the hardworking talented musicians and listening to such good music was inspiring, to say the least, however, the best part of Cafe Guitar for me was seeing young artists perform who would gain confidence over time with their family support.”

Steve and Katie Eastaugh close Cafe Guitar to concentrate on Bandland. Friday, January 14, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Cafe Guitar was the cafe because of the regular customers, local musicians and the beautiful Toowoomba community, she said.

Mrs Eastaugh said the time was right to move her focus to helping her husband Steve at Bandland.

“I am looking forward to the next season for Bandland as there is always stock and amazing staff,” she said.