Out-of-Town Cafe Chain Officially Takes Over a Beloved Local Cafe’s Space

Nearly a year after a longtime and well-loved Harvard Square cafe closed due to a change in building ownership, its replacement is ready to open, bringing with it an essence of Australia and New York swank: Bluestone Lane debuts its first Boston-area full-service cafe on Friday, November 8, at 27 Brattle St., within the former Crema Cafe space.

Crema’s closure after a decade — and forthcoming replacement by the out-of-town Bluestone Lane chain — wasn’t for lack of trying. “We are very sad to have to close Crema,” co-founder Liza Shirazi told Eater last year. “We tried our hardest to secure a new lease here for years but with the changes in management and ownership of the building we were unable to do so.”

In the wake of Crema’s house-made baked goods and popular sandwiches, Bluestone Lane will arrive with a menu meant to evoke Australian cafe culture, including items such as “avocado smash,” lemon ricotta pancakes, sandwiches, salads, and of course, coffee and tea beverages. While the chain draws inspiration from Australia, it was born in New York in 2013. Bluestone Lane now operates 45 locations in seven cities, and it has a second location planned for Boston in the form of a grab-and-go operation at 125 High St. downtown.

Those who remember Crema’s split-level space will find the same format inside Bluestone Lane, which will seat 60 people. The space underwent a redesign to make it resemble “Melbourne and Sydney coastal cafe aesthetics,” per a press release, including mosaic tiles at the coffee bar, beach prints, and greenery.

Bluestone Lane’s Harvard location will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to start. Eventually, the cafe will extend its hours to accommodate a forthcoming liquor license.

• Bluestone Lane Coffee Chain Expands to Boston and Cambridge [EBOS]
• Cambridge’s Crema Cafe to Close Later This Month [EBOS]