Pansabella’s new Paris inspired look

Over the past few weeks Pansabella Providores has been transformed and owner Kristi Bee Mulhall could not be more thrilled with the results. “Oh my goodness, I absolutely love it!”

The new look is inspired by the feel of a French courtyard and according to Kristi, “We’ve blissfully achieved that.” Every time Kristi comes to work, she feels as though she’d stepped through the doors of a Parisian café.

Kristi Bee Mulhall, owner of Pansabella Providores

“We’re playing French music and there are beautiful, authentic items here that I bought when I was in Paris last year.” Customers adore the changes and staff are loving their new workspace too – they also look great in their gorgeous vintage French linen uniforms. It’s no wonder that the Francophile drew on her past experiences of living in Europe when it came to her vision for the café.

It’s now been eight years since Kristi started Pansabella. Opening the business was motivated by her love of fresh flowers, delicious coffee and beautiful cheeses – all of which had been part and parcel of her time living overseas and in Sydney. The ideal solution? Create a business in her hometown of Coffs Harbour that offered all of those things.

The new greenhouse frame with trailing ivy 

Pansabella has long been a family affair and the refurbishment is no different. Even Kristi’s two children, Grayson (5) and Winter Rose (3) chipped in to help. “Everyone got to work! It’s really satisfying to look around and know we’ve been part of this process” Kristi points in the direction of the big bench seat at the back of the café and tells me the different layers of wood were hand-sanded by her sister, husband and even one of her oldest friends so it’s been a labour of love for everyone.

Near the street entrance is a striking greenhouse frame with trailing ivy which gives Kristi and her assistant florist more space to create beautiful and original floral works of art. And while the changes appear to have happened quickly, plans have been a long time in the works. Kristi describes the refurb process as a very collaborative one with Gowings, the owners of Coffs Central Shopping Centre.

Some of Pansabella’s gorgeous floristry 

And whilst some things have changed, much remains the same. “We’ve always worked hard to ensure the customer experience is special and we take pride in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The reopening has also resulted in our relaunching a new menu (not surprisingly, more French inspired) but as always, customers can enjoy our beautiful home-made cakes and a lovely glass of wine with lunch. Not everyone is aware that we’ve always had a liquor license.”

Kristie, Stella and Imogen (left to right) are part of the Pansabella team

So, if you’re up for a delicious meal with a vino, wish to buy a stunning bouquet of flowers or desire feeling like a Parisian for a little while, be sure to stop by Pansabella to see Kristi and her team in their gorgeous new space.

Pansabella Providores is located in Harbour Drive, Ground Floor, Coffs Central. Ph: 6652 6635 or find them on Instagram