There’s been a lot of chatter locally about Gandies opening in Kempsey… but let’s be clear – it’s not actually in the village.
The new café is based at the Kempsey Eco Business Park, just outside the village on the outskirts. So while it’s close, it’s not the kind of place you’ll casually wander past on a village stroll.
Where Is It Exactly?
Gandies is setting up at the Eco Park, which sits just outside Kempsey:
- 🚗 Around 5 minutes by car from the village centre
- 🚲 10–15 minutes by bike depending on your route
- 🚶♂️ 15–30 minute walk (not the most direct or scenic in places)
So realistically, this is more of a “drive-to brunch spot” than a pop-in café.
Opening & The Hype
There’s already a fair bit of buzz building.
From Gandies’ own updates, they’re very close to opening (targeting early April), and they’ve been teasing menu items and the space online – which has definitely got people talking.
It’s being positioned as something a bit different for the area:
- A modern brunch-focused café
- Strong coffee offering
- Bigger, more “Instagrammable” plates
- A fresh, independent feel
And for Kempsey, that’s new.
Will It Work?
That’s the big question.
On one hand:
- It’s not walkable for most people
- It relies on people making a deliberate trip
- The Eco Park isn’t yet a natural “hangout” destination
But on the other:
- There’s very little direct competition for this style of brunch locally
- People are increasingly willing to drive for good coffee and food
- If the quality is there, it could easily become a weekend go-to
In short – it’s not about passing trade. It’s about destination appeal.
How It Compares Locally
Kempsey and nearby areas already offer a few solid breakfast options:
- Plovers Rise Community Café – a true local gem, open on Fridays with seating for around 8, small but very much part of the community
- St. Peter’s Garden Centre – relaxed, reliable, slightly more traditional
- Toby Carvery (unlimited breakfast) – quantity over everything
- Harvester – predictable, family-friendly
Final Thoughts
Gandies isn’t “a new village café” – it’s something slightly different. It’s on the edge of Kempsey, and whether it succeeds will come down to one thing:
👉 Is it good enough to make people get in the car? If it is, it could become one of the most talked-about food spots in the area.
Either way, there’s definite hype – and we’ll all be watching when the doors open, and excited for the launch!