With more than 15 years’ experience at the forefront of the music industry —both in Australia and internationally— and 5 years experience owning & operating a bar/cafe, John Patterson, together with his partner Patience Hodgson, brings a unique and charming perspective to both indie rock music and hospitality alike. Known for their catchy pop songs, adventurous and gamboling live shows—complete with costumes, life-sized, hand-made backdrops and fun, creative attitude—Patience and John have, through their band The Grates, been unwittingly integrating music, art and entertaining throughout their music career. The Grates have four studio albums, five EPs, and countless hours of national and international touring under their belts.

In 2012 Patience and John opened Southside Tea Room, a cafe in Morningside, which slowly expanded to include a bar (Death Valley), a food truck (Red Robin Supper Truck) and a boutique festival (Death Valley Fun Camp). Like all they embark on, the business has strong community values, providing a warm home away from home for the diverse clientele that occupy the space. John Patterson has not only music nous, but technical know-how and unstoppable creative drive. The Grates are renowned for their playful aesthetic and DIY attitude—largely thanks to John’s prowess as a graphic designer and tech nerd.