Blog Articles


Bohemia

Saturday, October 27, 2012

It is a rare find when you come across an independently branded cafe that is unique, intriguing, and affordable. Bohemia, located on Dunlop Street East, captures the essence of an indie bistro while providing wonderfully affordable food in a timeless setting. Walking through the front door you become entranced with a warm and comforting feeling, surrounded by unique trinkets and unforgettable decor. A truly eclectic setting, where no single detail is untouched. With every chair and table a different shape and size, cowboy boots on the legs of stools, a chalkboard wall displaying their menu, and local artwork hanging all around, the atmosphere is exclusively bohemian. Even the view from the back is unforgettable, whether it’s looking out the half-moon shaped window up top in the loft area or outside on the quaint back patio. It is a place you want to be in, sit down and stay awhile.

Jill’s story is every bit unique as the cafe itself. She was an aspiring actress, working in restaurants on the side as many in that industry do. When she and her husband decided to get a house she made the decision to switch career paths. Starting out as a baker for the Maclaren, eventually setting out to open up her own cafe. The entire concept was based around creating a place that she would want to go, serving food that she would make for herself at home. Jill says “the idea took off and people loved it, adopting it as their own”, giving them an intimacy and serenity that makes them feel like they are in their own exclusive place.

The food served at Bohemia is nourishing, delectable and well executed, with a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, soup, and sweets. Many sandwiches come with a side salad, and the soup of the day is always fresh and innovative. Aside from food, the cafe offers an assortment of beverages and is a proud supplier of fair trade organic coffee. Since 2008 it has been locally roasted by the Hamley brothers. Bohemia, starting out as a small coffee shop at the front of The Blue Bottle in 2004 and developing into a well-established bistro, has been providing Barrie with its wholesome food and friendly service for years, and many more to come.