Header image credit: Square 44
Surrey Downs favourite Square 44 has officially unveiled its brand-new outdoor dining area, with the long-awaited renovation now complete and giving the popular neighbourhood cafe a fresh new look, more seating, and a much bigger space for laidback brunches, weekend catch-ups and pet-friendly visits.
The upgrade has transformed the front of the cafe into a bright outdoor entertaining area with new tables, chairs and extra seating, helping ease the weekend crowding that had become part of life at the much-loved Grenfell Road spot. For regulars who have watched the works unfold over recent months, the finished space marks a major new chapter for the cafe.
“It’s been received really well,” co-owner Chantelle Dean said. “We’ve had a lot of people coming to check it out, which has been great.”
The renovation was a long time coming for Square 44, which had previously only had a small number of outdoor tables despite strong weekend demand. During the works, construction out the front meant some customers thought the cafe had closed, but Chantelle says the reopening of the new area has brought a renewed energy back to the team and the business.
“A lot of people thought we were closed during that time because of the construction going on out the front, so in terms of the staff and owners, the attitude has definitely got a lot brighter since we’ve opened it all back up.
“It feels like we’re starting again, in a really good way.”
Along with the expanded outdoor space, Square 44 has introduced new furniture, tables and chairs, with new staff uniforms also being rolled out as part of the cafe’s refreshed look.
“We’ve got all new furniture, tables and chairs, which people are loving,” Chantelle said. “It’s created a new look for us. It looks a lot fresher and brighter.”
For customers, the biggest difference is space. The new outdoor area means more room to settle in, fewer people waiting for tables, and a more relaxed experience for those heading in for breakfast, brunch or coffee.
“Customers are definitely happy to have that space now,” Chantelle said. “We’ve got a lot more seating available now that the area is open, so there are fewer people waiting for tables and a bit more space for everyone who sits outside.”
Square 44 has built a loyal following across Adelaide for its creative brunch menu, particularly its strong range of vegan options. Around half of the menu is vegan, with the cafe becoming a go-to for diners looking for plant-based dishes that still feel generous, playful and full of flavour.
That focus will continue with the cafe’s new winter menu, launching very soon, which brings a seasonal shift towards warmer, heartier dishes and winter produce. Chantelle says the menu changes are designed around what is in season, with lighter summer-style dishes making way for heartier, more comforting options.
“Every winter, we go to a new menu using seasonal produce,” she said. “A lighter salad might turn into something heavier and more vegetable-based, and the pancakes, which are very popular, are changing from something quite light over summer to sticky date pancakes, which are a bit heavier, more desserty and warming.”
The new sticky date pancakes are also vegan, something Chantelle says has already made them a standout.
“Those pancakes are actually vegan as well, which you wouldn’t know,” she said. “I’m not vegan myself and it’s my favourite new menu item, so I guess that says something.”
Behind the cafe is a story that has always been a little unique in itself. Chantelle co-owns Square 44 with Abier Ivas, with the pair first meeting through BMX racing before realising they shared the same dream of opening a cafe.
“Her son was at a coaching course I was involved in and overheard us talking about opening a cafe,” Chantelle previously said. “She’d had cafes in the past, so she said, ‘Hey, I can help you out.’ And that’s where it all started.”
From a blank space and a big idea, the pair have grown Square 44 into a busy local cafe with a devoted community around it. Now, with the renovations complete, more room outside and a refreshed seasonal menu on the way, Square 44 is stepping into its next chapter with the same creative food and welcoming feel that made it popular in the first place.
Square 44 Cafe
Where: 246/264 Grenfell Rd, Surrey Downs
When: Monday – Friday 7:30am – 2pm
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2pm
For more info, click here.
