Purpose built

It’s two weeks until opening and Ben Devlin and Yen Trinh are getting close, but not close enough. Behind the scenes of their first solo venue – one they’re fitting out themselves from scratch – it’s a whirlwind of lists, scheduling and graft.

The last of their finance has been approved. They’ve nailed a lease they can afford. But with a budget, the need to plan an opening menu and a new baby – Penny, their first child, was born in January – stress levels are climbing.

At the couple’s home, there’s seaweed drying on the clothesline and under the stairs black