ONE of Queanbeyan's most loved lunch destinations, the Refectory Cafe at Benedict House, has closed only months after changing hands.
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However, current custodians Ben Chapman and Bobby Cerini of the Lost and Found Office, have stepped in and are looking to refresh and reopen the business in the coming weeks.
The cafe has been closed for the past fortnight following the recent departure of new managers Rory and Jessica Markham.
The Markhams took over the cafe lease from owner Kate Shelton in May but will no longer manage the business.
"Recently, for family reasons, Rory and Jess have decided to step away from the cafe however they're still leasing upstairs," Mr Chapman said.
"As a result Bobby and I of the Lost and Found Office have leased the cafe and we want to develop ideas for that space moving forward."
Although, the Markhams won't be involved in the day to day running of the Refectory Cafe, they will continue living in the building and run tours of the former convent.
Bottecher Law, of which Mr Markham is partner, will also continue to lease offices in the building in addition to Kazar Slaven Accounting.
Ms Shelton, who moved to Melbourne earlier in the year, said the cafe closure was a "disappointing" situation, but one she hoped would soon be resolved.
"The running of Benedict House was quite particular to me; I had the beads, jewellery, workshop and art. Jess and Rory Markham, they found it didn't suit them and there were family pressures so they have subleased the business to another couple," she said.
"I was optimistic [when I leased the business]... it's disappointing for everyone involved when something doesn't go as planned but out of those pressures you use creativity and problem solving to reach an outcome."
Mr Chapman and Ms Cerini currently run their Lost and Found Office workshop and gallery spaces at Benedict House.
A food business is uncharted territory for the pair, but they say they are committed to bringing back the Refectory Cafe.
Mr Chapman hopes to extend the eatery's opening hours beyond 10am - 3pm to cater for a roster of upcoming evening events such as music concerts, experimental theatre and a Friday night film club.
"We believe that the cafe needs to be revitalised and we are seeking ideas from the community about things that they've liked about Benedict House in the past, about coming here and things that they would like to see in the future," he said.
The couple plan to have the cafe up and running by November 9, in time for a fundraising event for 2XX Community Radio featuring musicians Fred Smith and the Lord Byron Five. Ms Shelton will travel from Melbourne for the event.
Although the cafe is currently closed, it's business as usual with Benedict House still open to visitors and free tea and coffee available.
This Friday, October 24, will see the debut of the Friday night film club with a showing of 'The Precinct'.
"The film club is an Artists Shed initiative," Mr Chapman said.
"Currently, Queanbeyan doesn't have any film theatres. We think the people in this area deserve the opportunity to be able to see feature films.
"We also want to provide the opportunity to local filmmakers to also show their work."
Benedict House will also be part of Queanbeyan Arts Trail on Sunday, October 26.
Visitors will be able to tour the Lost and Found Office workshop and gallery spaces, listen to live music courtesy of the Artists Shed and tours of the building.