Long Reef Patagonia NB: Popular takeaway coffee caravan in seat row with council

Whinging from one narky local has prompted a Sydney seaside council to ban a popular outdoor coffee caravan’s ‘dangerous’ tables and chairs. See how the owner reacted.

Xavier Ambrosio, the owner of Patagonia Northern Beaches take away coffee and food caravan in the public car park, below Long Reef Headland at Collaroy. Picture: Supplied

A whinge from one local has prompted Northern Beaches Council to ban a popular outdoor coffee caravan from providing tables and chairs for its customers.

Patagonia Northern Beaches, which has been selling food and beverage from the caravan in Long Reef Headland car park since August last year, was told by council rangers this week that the complainant described the furniture as a danger to the public.

The person also complained about bins being set up near the van.

Now the bewildered barista and business owner, Xavier Ambrosio, has launched a petition seeking community support to urge the council to allow the tables, chairs and cushioned milk crates.

Mr Ambrosio, who moved to Australia from his Patagonian homeland in Argentina six years ago, conceded he did not seek council permission for the furniture as part of his one-year agreement to use the car park space.

The Patagonia Northern Beaches take away coffee and food caravan at Long Reef Headland car park, was providing tables and chairs so its customers could rest or socialise. Picture: Supplied

But he said that a growing number of customers — he sells up to 300 coffees on a Saturday and Sunday — had been gathering at the caravan to socialise and chat as they made their way to and from the Long Reef headland lookout.

It even provided live music on Sunday mornings from 10am.

The Patagonia Northern Beaches take away coffee and food caravan on Friday — with no tables or chairs. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

“Since we opened, we have been trying to create a welcoming space where locals and tourists can enjoy quality coffee while and getting together and building community spirit,” Mr Ambrosio said.

“Customers tell us they appreciate a place to stop and rest and that the chairs and tables offered a moment of pause, a chance to recharge.

“It makes the area even more enjoyable for families, elderly visitors, and anyone needing a break.”

Regular customer Lewis Warner, of Collaroy, said on Friday that Patagonia NB was a great spot to stop and revive on the walk to the lookout.

Customer, Lewis Warner, of Collaroy, at the Patagonia Northern Beaches take away coffee and food caravan being served by Francesca Bonamico. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

“It’s just unfortunate that other people don’t seem to think the same way,” he said.

Another local who likes the coffee and the atmosphere at the caravan, Tim Hall, said there was great social interaction around the van.

“It was just a great place to seat down and have a conversation in a beautiful location,” he said.

An online supporter chipped in with: “The fun police are at it again!”

Mr Ambrosio said he would be happy to pay any council fee to allow the seating and fence the area off if required to make sure everyone was safe and happy.

The Patagonia Northern Beaches take away coffee and food caravan. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

“We truly believe that anything that improves the quality of life for the community will bring positive things in return,” he said.

The council confirmed on Friday that it had received complaints about Patagonia NB’s location and operation.

It also confirmed that it had received an application from Mr Ambrosio requesting tables and chairs be allowed next to the caravan.

Due to its location in a car park and the business being a mobile food vehicle, Mr Ambrosio must comply with environmental compliance conditions including observing road rules and parking requirements. He does not have approval to place tables, chairs, food or equipment outside the vehicle.

Originally published as Long Reef Patagonia NB: Popular takeaway coffee caravan in seat row with council