A British tourist was left gobsmacked after discovering that the charming, budget-friendly cafe he stumbled across in an Aussie tourist hotspot was allegedly run by a controversial cult. Tom Hammond, 28, originally from the UK and now living in Sydney, popped into The Yellow Deli Cafe in the Blue Mountains town of Katoomba for a cheap breakfast, only to later uncover the shocking truth about who operates it.
The self-employed landscaper had been exploring the scenic area just outside Sydney on Friday and, like many tourists, searched TikTok for cafe recommendations. What he found instead was a real-life cautionary tale.
“The venue itself is really pretty, it reminded me of the Cotswolds in England,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
“I grabbed a chair by the fireplace, it had all the vibes, but something just didn’t feel right.”
Despite being impressed by the rustic setting and low prices, Mr Hammond noticed the staff weren’t exactly overflowing with Aussie warmth. He later learned the reason was that the cafe is staffed by volunteers from The Twelve Tribes, a fringe religious group with a long list of accusations attached to its name.
The Twelve Tribes originated in the United States and expanded into Australia in the 1990s. They have been accused over the years of enforcing authoritarian practices, child labour, and other disturbing behaviour, though group leaders have repeatedly denied these claims, labelling them “out of context.”
Mr Hammond, unaware of any controversy at the time, had tucked into waffles and eggs and found the food “really nice” and the venue “a great spot.” But things took a turn later that evening when chatting with locals after a hike.
“I was at another restaurant and one of the locals just asked: ‘Why would you go there?’ That’s when they told me,” he said.
It turns out the “cosy” cafe is operated by members of The Twelve Tribes who live communally in nearby Balmoral House and on a rural farm southwest of Sydney. The community reportedly runs the business under the radar, keeping prices low thanks to unpaid labour from within the group.
After his visit, Mr Hammond posted a now-viral video on TikTok, saying he felt “guilty” about supporting what he later labelled “less hippie commune, more actual cult.”
“I was just out here vibing with my sandwich, meanwhile unknowingly funding the end times,” he joked in the clip.
“Honestly though… great eggs. 9/10. Would escape again.”
The video sparked a flurry of comments from others who had similarly been drawn in by the cafe’s quaint charm and surprisingly cheap menu.
Reflecting on his experience, Mr Hammond noted that his tattoos may have triggered a colder reception from staff, a theory echoed by other visitors who shared similar encounters.
While he doesn’t regret the breakfast, the expat says he won’t be going back.
“I can’t complain about the food,” he said, “but it’s not something I would support now knowing what’s behind it.”