Seven years ago, Birdwood Café opened its doors on a quiet stretch in Lane Cove, facing what was little more than a community car park. Today, that outlook has changed dramatically into The Canopy – a precinct with green space, retail, playgrounds and performance areas.
Being located near a suburban community hub has generated plenty of momentum for the venue. What’s more, it’s in one of Sydney’s most sought-after areas, with Lane Cove recognised as Australia’s most liveable community in the 2025 Australian Liveability Census.
Over nearly two decades, owner Glenn Hatton has opened and operated about 15 cafés across Sydney’s North Shore, typically following a clear model: identify the right site, build the venue, establish systems and trade, then sell to an owner-operator ready to take the reins. But he has different plans for Birdwood.
“I think the landscape has changed,” he says. “Also, if you get hold of a good café with great locals and consistent business, that’s pretty rare now. So you hold on to them.”
With The Canopy project completed, the precinct has become a natural extension of the café. Families can spend entire days across the road before crossing for lunch or coffee, while older locals enjoy the green space and council-run events.
The café serves Calibrate by Gabriel Coffee – an invite-only top-tier blend – alongside other premium products, like Minor Figures for its oat milk. Birdwood runs a seasonal all-day menu, refreshed twice a year.
On the menu, some dishes have earned permanent status. The Goodness Bowl, a poke-style dish with sriracha-infused rice, has been a staple. Eggs Milano, featuring house-made pesto, prosciutto, fried eggs on soy and linseed toast and topped with and parmesan, is fast becoming another fixture.
Experience designing his own cafés has informed Glenn’s open layout for Birdwood using “timeless” dark trims and raw materials like timber, and concrete. This is complemented with plenty of natural light and bench seating around the perimeter.
After owning cafés for much of his adult life, Glenn has distilled what he believes are the non-negotiables of a successful café.
“Quality, service, speed and consistency – and it has to be 360 degrees,” he says.
“You’re greeted like a friend or familiar face the moment you walk in. It follows through the service, the food, the coffee, and all the way out the door when we’re cleaning up after you, thank you and hope to see you again.”
Birdwood Café
24 Birdwood Lane, Lane Cove
New South Wales, 2066
Open Monday to Sunday 6am to 3pm
