WHO is barry

Barry’s Garage is more than a café - it’s a celebration of heritage, design, and community. Opening in February 2025 within a carefully restored 1920s motor garage, it pays tribute to Miss Watson’s Garage — one of Melbourne’s earliest female-run automotive businesses. Since then, Barry’s has evolved into a local icon, drawing weekend crowds, selling out regularly, and generating viral moments that highlight its distinct blend of nostalgia and contemporary style.

The concept merges Melbourne’s leafy eastern suburbs with the industrial soul of Detroit. Co-founder Kathryn Simcoe grew up in the Motor City, inspired by her father, Michael Simcoe - the celebrated designer behind the Holden Monaro V2 and VX Commodore that defined Australian automotive innovation. Partnering with Nick Zaharias, a seasoned hospitality operator with over a decade of experience creating and managing venues across Melbourne, the pair combined their backgrounds in design and dining to build something truly special — a space that feels both local and globally inspired.

The original garage’s industrial bones were restored and reimagined under the direction of Konstance Zaharias of Kokozo Design, blending vintage textures with contemporary finishes. The interiors nod to Kathryn’s Detroit roots, diner-inspired seating, mid-century tones, and subtle cues from vintage Cadillacs and the GM Design Centre. Meanwhile, Nick’s hospitality expertise shines through the menu and service — a balance of comfort, craft, and community. The result is a venue where history and modern culture meet, capturing the spirit of both cities in one timeless space.