THE owners of cafe Excelsior Jones have spent $3000 on designs to get five tables outside that comply with Ashfield Council’s 19-page kerbside policy, but they keep getting knocked back.

EXCELSIOR Jones cafe is another step closer to realising its dream of outdoor dining after Ashfield Council approved $20,000 in footpath repairs out front of the shop.

Anthony Svilicich from Surry Hills' Le Monde Cafe is setting up shop in Ashfield. Brendan Esposito. Anthony Svilicich is punting on Ashfield as the next Surry Hills for cafe culture.

Ashfield Independents claim campaign group fighting for community café 'couldn't care less' about it. The café was recently handed a new lease which would see its rent rise by 19,000% .