10 September 2013

Mornings at the Sly Fox

| Geoff_from_Lushpup_Images
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sly fox

Meet Patrick. Patrick is an entrepreneur. Earlier this year he set up a coffee machine by one of the main cycleways running from the Inner North of Canberra (where I live) into the City … he makes very good coffee and I always stop for an espresso (that settles in the glass like tap Guinness!) if he’s up and running when I’m cycling past. I recently stopped by to take some photos of him … the picture of him looking skyward I think is my favourite.

Patrick called his coffee spot Sly Fox Coffee.

But it’s about more than the coffee … it’s about a social hub … a little networking space. I’ve met a stack of different folks down there and stopped for a quick chat or hello. Sometimes I’m a little late and I stand at the table straddling my bicycle while I sip a delicious coffee … afterward, the ride into town just flies past as the caffeine kicks in by the time I’ve reached David Street.

There’s often an assistant, Byron or Roley. There’s a bicycle mechanic, Rex, who’s there on Tuesdays and I could make lewd suggestive comments about the delights of an early morning lube but I will refrain today.

There is also a little Pug called Bob, a friendly and excitable chap. He made the photo essay too of course.

The Sly Fox is blossoming and I’ve noticed an increase in custom as the morning’s warm. Great coffee – great vibe.

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sandog said :

I rode past early this morning and the cops were driving down the bike path towards the cafe. Hopefully they were just after a coffee and werent going there to tear it down.

I must have gone past a little bit later than you. Sly Fox customers were milling around enjoying their warm bevvies and the boys and blue had driven off back towards Turner Primary.

I suspect the cops were not in a ticket-writing mood – I rode across the pedestrian crossing right in front of them and did not get fined/cautioned.

Mike Bessenger10:08 am 24 Sep 13

sandog said :

I rode past early this morning and the cops were driving down the bike path towards the cafe. Hopefully they were just after a coffee and werent going there to tear it down.

I’ve read elsewhere that he has a permit and is legal. So probably to buy coffee.

Holden Caulfield10:05 am 24 Sep 13

sandog said :

I rode past early this morning and the cops were driving down the bike path towards the cafe. Hopefully they were just after a coffee and werent going there to tear it down.

Insert obligatory donut gag here.

I rode past early this morning and the cops were driving down the bike path towards the cafe. Hopefully they were just after a coffee and werent going there to tear it down.

Growling Ferret said :

thatsnotme said :

Out of curiosity, how does he power everything? Generator under the table? Really long extension cable? Bank of car batteries?

Generator which he starts up around 730 each morning. Far enough from the houses to be drowned out by the road noise of MacArthur avenue

Why not solar?

Growling Ferret said :

thatsnotme said :

Out of curiosity, how does he power everything? Generator under the table? Really long extension cable? Bank of car batteries?

Generator which he starts up around 730 each morning. Far enough from the houses to be drowned out by the road noise of MacArthur avenue

I assume this is why he isnt there when it has rained, needs fairly dry land for the cords. Its not a noisy generator.

My only thing is that I’m never early enough to stop. My kids pester me for a hot chocolate every morning, but I point out that school starts at 9am and if they arent ready to leave the house until 8.55 then they arent going to be getting a hot chocolate. Yet, the next day… 8.55 again

Growling Ferret8:45 pm 10 Sep 13

thatsnotme said :

Out of curiosity, how does he power everything? Generator under the table? Really long extension cable? Bank of car batteries?

Generator which he starts up around 730 each morning. Far enough from the houses to be drowned out by the road noise of MacArthur avenue

beardedclam said :

It would be good if the community could just spontaneously do things like this without going through the administration process.

You mean like the wonderful Community of Northbourne Windscreen Washers? But you aren’t safely ensconced in your vehicle and you put what they give you in your mouth?

No thanks. Red tape is good.

Holden Caulfield4:37 pm 10 Sep 13

thatsnotme said :

Out of curiosity, how does he power everything? Generator under the table? Really long extension cable? Bank of car batteries?

Reptoids.

beardedclam said :

I think more people would do this sort of thing if it weren’t so heavily regulated and wrapped up in red tape….

…whilst still wondering how so many cafes and restaurants in Canberra get hit with the banhammer.

Out of curiosity, how does he power everything? Generator under the table? Really long extension cable? Bank of car batteries?

Geoff_from_Lushpup_Images3:55 pm 10 Sep 13

farout said :

And you might get away with it too…till someone decides to post about your enterprise on RA 🙂

The all-seeing eye of the hive mind will find you out!

There was some discussion on the legality of this particular pathside passion in a post poetix posted back in February (http://the-riotact.com/the-sly-fox-rides-over-the-lazy-cafe/94672)

beardedclam said :

Just randomly pop up in public areas and set up.

And you might get away with it too…till someone decides to post about your enterprise on RA 🙂

Too much effort. Lucky there are Patricks around with more committment than me.
I think more people would do this sort of thing if it weren’t so heavily regulated and wrapped up in red tape. I know I would. It would be good if the community could just spontaneously do things like this without going through the administration process.
I would be far more inclined to provide drinks and snacks for the community in the mornings on a weekend or something. Not necesarrily in my own neighbourhood. Just randomly pop up in public areas and set up.

beardedclam said :

This is a great little thing. Can anyone do this? What sort of permits are needed?

I’d imagine a License of Registration from the ACT Government, which must be prominently displayed like at any coffee shop or restaurant, and registration for GST with the Tax Office the the least. Then of course things like OH&S and insurances.

This is a great little thing. Can anyone do this? What sort of permits are needed?

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