There’s a new kid cafe in (Belconnen) town (centre).
As some of you know, I’m Deputy Chair of the Belconnen Community Council. Earlier this year, we conducted a survey on views on the Belconnen Town Centre, and earlier this month we released the results (and yes, I’ll be blogging about them!). One of the themes that came through is that people want to see the Town Centre better connected, including making better use of our (rather large) sidewalks.
With Remedy by Lonsdale Street Roasters, we have a new template for that. The space inside is tiny, just enough for a handful of people to stand to order, with its concertina doors opening up to the sidewalks on both side of the corner. There are enough tables and chairs for plenty of people to sit – whether eating or waiting for their coffee order – but not so many that the pavement is cluttered or that you can’t get through. (I’m a fan.)
Coffees in its opening week are $3, including on this late Saturday morning. Given it’s such an outside affair, we’ve brought Cooper down to enjoy the sights and sounds, too. Plenty of other dog owners make an appearance at the cafe. It’s times like this I think Cooper needs a cafe bag.
I’m really just here to try out the coffee, but while ordering I’m tempted by the cake and pastry cabinet in front of me, which opens towards me. It’s a little confusing how it all works, as the waitress serving me pulls out a chopping board and I wonder if I have to serve myself, but while handing me a table number she assures me she’ll bring my carrot cake out. Also on the menu today is a ham and cheese croissant ($4.50), bacon and scrambled eggs panini ($8) and ham, cheese and tomato toastie ($5).
While taking photos, my cake order is served as promised. Cooper really wants in on the action.
Rather elaborate set up for carrot cake ($4)
The cake’s a touch dry, but the cute icing sticks it all together (literally). The chai latte is excellent – warm, cinnamon-y and not overwhelmingly milky.
The tables have plenty of room if everyone wants to have a meal, and I like that even though everything outside is prone to be mixed and matched, it all feels very clean and fresh.
Even without all the workers, there’s a steady stream of Belconnen Town Centre residents, visitors and shoppers even on this dreary morning – a great sign.
Here’s hoping Remedy goes from strength to strength – and serves as the inspiration for even more venues like it.
Date: Saturday, 23 August 2014
Where: At the bottom of the Sentinel building, Benjamin Way. Open 7am-3pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-1pm Saturday. Closed on Sunday (sadly).
Cost: $10 ($3 per coffee opening week special + $4 cake)
Value for money: (Will get back to you when I see the normal prices of coffees… but I thought it was very good coffee.)
Worthwhile factor: Highly worthwhile
Want more? They have a very active Facebook page.
In The Taratory 
Great! Now we need them or another not dissimilar to open in Gungahlin.
Yes definitely!
The seats look really hard and uncomfortable. Are they all like that? This seems to be one of those trendy trends that deserves a re-think…unless places are doing this deliberately to get people not to linger!