Glebe Cafe ‘Badde Manors’ To Go Under The Hammer

Legendary Glebe cafe, Badde Manors, is set to go under the hammer after more than 40 years serving the community.

A Sydney institution, the cafe was once the go-to haunt for generations of Sydney Uni and UTS students, and attracted creatives and alternative thinkers throughout the generations.

It was one of Sydney’s first vegetarian cafes and, until its closure, was the oldest continuously operating vegetarian cafe in the city.

“Properties like this, with such a strong legacy and cultural footprint, rarely come up,” said Kristian Morris, principal of Ray White Commercial Sydney City Fringe.

“This corner has been part of the social fabric of Glebe for decades – from coffee catch ups to community conversation. We’re proud to be bringing it to market and expect strong competition from hospitality operators, creatives, and investors alike.”

High hopes for future endeavours 

The dual-level building comes with a fully fitted café space, charming courtyard, storage, and a mix of residential offerings upstairs.

“The beauty of this property is not just its heritage and high-exposure location, but also its versatility,” said Kamal Silwal, sales and leasing executive.

“It could suit a flagship café, boutique accommodation, or a creative commercial HQ. With the building offered vacant, the possibilities are endless.”

The property was originally owned by Robert Sebes and his then wife, Judy Blackhouse, who founded the cafe with no experience in hospitality.

Speaking to James Valentine after Sebes death in 2023, daughter Lottie remembered her father as a passionate person.

“He really believed in community, in music and in good food, and good life, and he really wanted to create a space to hold all of that for him and the community.”

After closing over lockdown, and a mystery fire in 2021, the cafe was bought and reopened by Jacqui Leonard in late 2022.

The auction will form part of RWC’s June Auction Showcase and will go under the hammer on Thursday 26 June.