A new crowdfunding project has been launched with the aim of reopening a beautiful old café in the heart of Lausanne.
Following its closure in 2016, Le Barbare has been sorely missed by the residents and tourists of Lausanne, who used to meet regularly there during the day for one of its famous hot chocolates, or later in the evening for an aperitif.
Situated on the well-known “Escaliers du Marché” leading down from the cathedral, the café first opened its doors to guests back in 1951. With such a historic location for its address, fans of Le Barbare are keen to retain the café’s link with its traditional and geographic past, rather than see it reopen as office space or other commercial entity with less of a community spirit to it.
To do this, they need to raise money. The café requires renovation if it is to conform with current standards for safety and hygiene, especially in the kitchen area. So three friends and former “regulars” of Le Barbare – a historian, a geographer and an entrepreneur - have come together to form an association to raise the funds, not just for the immediate restoration, but also for start-up capital to get the business up-and-running as a café again.
Retaining the spirit of 18th century Vaud
Talking about the work required to get the café reopened, historian, Olivier Reymond, told knowitall.ch, “Whilst we are keen to do everything we can to preserve the historical values associated with this famous old café, we realise that the new café must be adapted to current tastes and consumption habits in order for it to be economically viable. We are hoping to retain the spirit of 18th century Vaud, and create an intimate place, offering simple and authentic flavors, where you can taste hot chocolate and appetizing aperitifs, but also dishes at prices people can afford and enjoy so they come back again and again with their friends!”
Geographer, Frédéric, added, “When it comes to food and drink, my fellow associates and I are concerned about our ecological footprint. We will therefore favor local products produced by market gardeners and farmers that have close links with the city. We will choose products grown in full transparency by enthusiasts, who are respectful of the environment and local terroir, yet anxious to contribute to the well-being of the urban dweller”.
Crowdfunding Project
Keen to get local community involvement in the new crowdfunding project, the three associate members launched “Votre Barbare” on 15 March 2018. Whilst the threshold for the project to go ahead is Fr. 60,000.-, they would like to raise Fr. 120,000.- before the closing date of 31 May 2018 to be sure they can implement their plans fully.
“We have big ambitions!” Cécile told knowitall.ch. As an entrepreneur who works in the catering business, and who trained at the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne, she has numerous ideas for the future management of the café. “Once the restaurant is up and running we would like to organize cultural events, historical geographical walks, and gourmet outings beginning or ending at Le Barbare. We will have themed evenings like Monday singles pasta, Thursday expat meeting point, Wednesday musicians jam session, Thursday after work…Le Barbare will once again become a famous landmark in its own right within Lausanne!”
Six levels of investment
Six levels of investment have been proposed for the crowdfunding project to suit all budgets. For the wider public, who simply want to register their support for such a worthy, community project, you have Barbare budget: if you pledge Fr. 22.-, you can expect a free hot chocolate (using the same delicious recipe created by the former manager of the café, Marta Tombolan) and a surprise if the café reopens!
For the more serious investors, there is Barbare d'Argent: a contribution of Fr. 333.- will get you an invitation for an aperitif with 6 friends (or 2 aperitifs with 3 friends) with wine and nibbles, plus a surprise annual event OR you will be offered an “urban drift” for 6 people, which includes an hour-long themed tour of Lausanne with a geographer or historian, returning to Le Barbare for an aperitif.
At the top end of the investment scale, you have Barbare de Platine: for Fr. 3,333.00, you will be able to book a private evening at Le Barbare, including aperitif and meal for 10 people, a surprise for everyone, and a surprise annual event.
You can see the full range of options by clicking here: http://www.votrebarbare.ch
As with all crowdfunding projects, no money will be taken from your funds if the threshold is not reached. Le Barbare will remain the property of the city of Lausanne, who will adapt the property for other purposes. However, if sufficient money is raised, and the local authorities can see for themselves the huge community involvement in this project, then it is hoped that Olivier, Frédéric and Cécile will be given the go ahead to commence with the renovation work and restore Le Barbare to its former glory…adding a modern twist of their own as well!
Votre Barbare
www.votrebarbare.ch
Olivier Reymond
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
079 258 07 32
