27 January 2026
In a town known for surf culture, one café is turning global beats into a local movement.
The Shack Raglan - recently recognised in the Denizen Best of 2025 list - is more than just a lively café. It’s a hub where global music and local flavour create a distinctly welcoming, eclectic vibe. Co-owner Justin Thompson and his wife Alix took over the space in 2011, gradually shaping it into a popular spot for both surfing travellers and loyal regulars. Their vision was simple: create a place where food, coffee, and community collide.
“We want to appeal to everyone,” explains Justin. "We aim to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the opportunity for creative and artistic expression is one of the most enjoyable parts of that – not just in our honest, local food and great coffee, but in the overall feel of the space."
What truly sets The Shack apart is its commitment to an eclectic, globally inspired music selection that mirrors the diversity of its visitors and Raglan’s vibrant music culture, inspired by events like the iconic Soundsplash festival. Here, the music is never static, it shifts with the customers, the weather, and the time of day to create an uplifting ambience.
The team’s passion for varied music is influenced by their staff, which includes young travellers from all over the world. Justin laughs,
We enjoy hearing beats from different backgrounds and cultures, anything that gets the hips swinging!
When it comes to the business end of things, what gives Justin peace of mind is knowing The Shack’s broad music taste is fully compliant. Having a music licence in place means every track they play is covered, whether it’s from a local band or artists from anywhere around the world. From reggae to old-school 70s hits and international grooves, being licensed through OneMusic makes it possible to create the atmosphere they want while respecting the rights of the artists – without missing a beat.
The commitment to a unique atmosphere goes a step further than simply curating in-house tracklists. The Shack actively invites locals and regulars to create their own unique playlists, giving the community a voice in making the space their own.
It’s an awesome way to get new and different music playing that people think reflects our vibe,
says Justin. That sense of ownership is the clever secret ingredient that makes The Shack more than just a café - it’s a place people feel connected to. By blending community input with global reach and fluid energy The Shack has created an experience that’s anything but generic.
Their mission is simple: to serve honest, local, great food with a fantastic atmosphere that leaves people feeling even better than when they walked in.
Find out what makes The Shack Raglan a local favourite here.
Learn how OneMusic helps businesses bring music to life here.
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