Jeanette Clark

Food

What child wouldn’t want to dive straight into brioche French toast with local honey and berries? Or a red velvet waffle with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup, matched with a frothy ‘puppyccino’? Adults need not feel neglected, though. The menu is limited, but varied in taste and options for breakfast and lunch.

Savour the mix of flavours and textures in the mushrooms on toast – a firm favourite with regulars. The crispy onions and dill provide just the right amount of crunch to offset the creamy goodness of the white-bean-and-truffle hummus served with perfect poached eggs on a bed of sautéed mixed mushrooms atop toasted sourdough. This artful dish also delivers kick with a touch of ancho chilli and coffee Hollandaise.

The Big Dog Lamb Burger – a generous lamb patty served on a sesame pretzel bun with radicchio and citrus salad, feta yoghurt and jalapeno sauce – doesn’t disappoint. Or be a little more adventurous and try the Togarashi fried chicken. Labneh, ginger and orange pickled daikon with a honey miso sauce come together beautifully in this dish.

Drinks

You’re here for the coffee, but don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the other liquid refreshments on offer. Under the ‘Not Coffee’ heading on the menu, the golden milk latte is a treat on cold winter mornings. It’s turmeric and spice and all things nice. You have four kombucha options, a decent tea selection as well as a line-up of milkshakes. Coffee connoisseurs can savour the roast of the day as a single espresso, cappuccino, or a cold brew – all accompanied by a tasting-notes card to help you discern the flavours.

Service

Service is friendly enough, but unfortunately not as prompt as it could be. Several diners had to get up and hail a waiter when it came time to order.

Ambience

Step in and you feel warm and welcome. This arguably has everything to do with Jack, the boisterous stone-grey Great Dane puppy that roams the gardens and has a couch of honour on the porch. Other quirky touches are the dog biscuit shaped cookie with a single Terbidore roastery bean that comes with every cup of coffee. Or the delightful options on the Puppy Menu of this child-friendly Saturday morning favourite.

Best for…  

Soaking up the sun in the back garden while getting your caffeine fix.

(August 2019)

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.