"Sick of sitting at a desk": Meet the young owner of Crescent Head's newest cafe

Crescent Head’s newest cafe opened on the weekend, so the Mid North Coaster popped down to meet the young owner and see what’s on offer.

21-year-old Toby Clegg has lived in Kempsey Shire his whole life and prior to opening the doors of his cafe “Drift” on Saturday had spent five years working at the now-closed General Store in Kempsey, “Chaddies”, during his teenage years.

Clegg then did a stint at Kempsey Shire Council followed by four years at Port Macquarie-Hasting Council before deciding to open his own cafe.

“I just missed the people side of things,” Clegg told the Mid North Coaster. “I was sick of sitting at a desk”.

Drift is located on the corner of Rankin and Scott Street in the heart of Crescent Head where Green Room Cafe used to be.

“I’m actually stoked to be here, everyone has been so welcoming, it’s been great,” Clegg said.

🌯☕️ What’s on offer?

While the owner and staff settle in, Drift is offering display cabinet items – like salads, wraps and ham and cheese croissants– bacon and egg rolls for $10, smashed avocado on toast and of course coffee.

“We’re just keeping it simple through the holidays,” Clegg said.

The new cafe uses Toby’s Estate coffee roasters. A medium-size take-a-way coffee costs $5.50. Drift also makes smoothies and frappes.

Clegg has hired 12 staff already and is currently looking to hire more including a cafe all-rounder and a Short Order Chef.

Drift is open seven days a week from 7am to 2pm.

Thumbnail image: Owner Toby Clegg with staff member Addison Norton. Pictures by Ellie Chamberlain