Locally-run cafe set to open at Exmouth’s Ningaloo Centre

The once-empty cafe space inside the Ningaloo Centre will open its doors at the weekend with a well-known local cook at the helm.

Ningaloo Cooking Studio owner Darlene Allston is expanding her business by opening Cafe Muiron at the centre, under a lease approved by the Shire of Exmouth council in February.

Mrs Allston said she was excited to have a new home for her previously mobile business that could function as its “face” in the community.

“Opening a cafe is a pretty big move for us, given that it’s only been two years,” she said.

“I was looking to expand and have a shopfront to strengthen our position in terms of being able to provide catering that was convenient to the (Ningaloo) Centre, because we do do a lot of work here.”

“Our growth has been word-of-mouth primarily.

“People seem to be happy with the product, and I suppose that’s where the recommendations and positive word-of-mouth have come from.”

Mrs Allston, who has 25 years of experience in food writing and photography, started Ningaloo Cooking Studio about two years ago, and the business has grown rapidly to provide catering for events ranging from weddings to boardroom meetings.

She said she was especially pleased to have secured the Ningaloo Centre cafe lease, given the building’s location and tourist appeal.

Cafe Muiron will sell food and drinks as well as homemade gourmet ice cream and cakes.

Ningaloo Cooking Studio’s existing catering and cooking classes will also operate from the shopfront.

The new business is expected to provide a handful of new local jobs.

Cafe Muiron is due to open this Saturday.