First Look: Quiet Time’s Now a Rowdy Cafe and Bar

Clifton Hill day-to-night spot Quiet Time closed last November. The venue, opened by a first-time operator duo, has now landed into similar hands. Siblings Lachie and Izzy Summers have taken over the popular Smith Street site, refreshing the space and reimagining it as Raffy’s.

“My vision was always to open an evening venue, definitely more booze-orientated, whereas Izzy liked the idea of both,” says Lachie. “The bones of this joint facilitated both aspects really comfortably.”

The pair recently took a detour from hospitality after working in the industry for years – Izzy in cafes, Lachie at bars and breweries. They’re now focused on creating a venue that feels inviting, and where guests never feel rushed.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Raffy’s closes at 2.30pm. But from Friday to Sunday, it stays open late, with DJs spinning vinyl and the cafe space turning into a mini dance floor.

While a larger menu is in the works, for now it’s simple with only chips, three toasties and pão de queijo, baked Brazilian cheese balls made with tapioca flour.

The tight drinks list is focused on Australian labels such as Wilkie Wines and Mdi Wines. You’ll also find Lachie and Izzy behind the bar hand-mixing one of three $22 cocktails: a Paloma, an Espresso Martini with Frangelico, and a brown butter and sage Gin Sour.

They worked with Torren Clifford, who designed Quiet Time, to give the space a light refresh. There’s some new seating and the Skylab Radio studio setup has been removed, leaving way for a DJ deck. Lachie says the walls will be a “slow-moving gallery”, with works for sale from local artists. Currently, you can buy paintings by Ocean Grove-based talent and family friend Ailish Bourke.

Last weekend, the space was packed with locals coming in to enjoy a drink and music. “It’s been off its head,” says Lachie. “Just the number of regular customers that are coming through the doors that we’ve already built a relationship with,” adds Izzy. “I didn't have many expectations, so it’s just so nice to have that, and feel like we've already started to build a community within this area.”

Raffy’s
656 Smith Street, Clifton Hill
No phone

Hours:
Wed to Thu 8am–2.30pm
Fri 8am–11pm
Sat 9am–11pm
Sun 9am–10pm

@raffys___