After opening it’s doors in 2021, Scroggin Cafe quickly became a popular coffee stop in Wānaka, New Zealand for locals and visitors alike. Lucy, owner, describes the space as warm, welcoming and of the highest quality. Having drawn inspiration from New Zealand backcountry huts, she truly has created a space that honours the local surroundings.
We had the pleasure of talking to Lucy about her experience opening a cafe and her three must-haves for any cafe owner.
How would you describe yourself and your brand?
I like to think of Scroggin as a place that is similar to our environment and surroundings down in Wānaka; inspiring, humble, of the highest quality, warm, welcoming and friendly.
I wanted Scroggin to fully embrace and take on the beauty of our natural surroundings, and make it accessible to all. I personally have always been obsessed with aesthetics, and I guess that is where the brand grew & will always grow from.
When it came to designing your cafe space, where did you find your inspiration?
Backcountry huts!
I've always loved hiking and visiting the famous red backcountry huts that surround Wanaka in the high alpine. I love their simplicity + character, and the joy they bring after a hard day's hiking. They are places to share stories, enjoy food and ponder life. When designing Scroggin I knew I wanted lots of beautiful plywood and natural & earthy materials, to pull in as much of that natural landscape as possible. It was such a fun project and so important to have that reference to always come back to.
The Table Number Stackers sitting pretty on the tables in the cafe space
You’ve incorporated a number of George and Willy products into your space, what have you used and what do you love about each product?
Ooh we've used so many of your products!! I love them! The simplicity and use of materials was the main drawcard and they are so easy to install and customise to our brand. We love our metal Table Number Stackers, our Round Scroggin Sign + our Wooden Letter Board.
The Round Sign and A-Frame Sign outside Scroggin Wanaka
What are your top three tips for anyone wanting to open a cafe or coffee shop?
- Only do it if you absolutely love it. It's a ton of work, and it can definitely wear you down, but it's also SO SO rewarding!
- Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and why you are doing it. This will obviously change as you grow but it's so important to have that reference point to come back to.
- Don't take yourself too seriously! Have fun, it's an epic industry to be a part of; making people's days with their daily brew, I think it's super important to remember that.
One item on your menu we MUST order?
Scroggin Benedict - it's a long standing all time favourite, I don't think we'll ever be able to take it off the menu! The honey hollandaise and potato rosti with the crispy kale is just the perfect combination!
The Wooden Letter Board featuring Scroggin's coffee menu
What is next for Scroggin, anything exciting on the horizon?
Eeek, something exciting is definitely brewing - more to come on this one soon...
Best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Probably tip 3 from above.
What is your favorite thing to do in Wānaka on your day off?
Cook some beautiful food with friends or take my book down to the lake for some solo time!
The Counter Signs advertising some seriously good looking cookies