Love Grub, Alexandria

Love Grub sits cutely on a laneway corner with a row of garden beds and patch of grass strewn with assorted toys. It's a lovely spot on a sunny day with plenty of charming and cheery inner city grunge from the waiters to the clientele to the street art backdrop.

The menu is long and interesting with a Japanese flavour. The chef lived in Japan for years and does a 'Japas' menu- Japanese tapas. We were there for breakfast and while I can't rave about the food, it was decent and the coffee was good.

I would go back for the space and green environs. Stella had a great time watering the veggie gardens, inspecting the worm farms and taking the toys for a spin. They did a kids size smoothie for her in a big plastic cup with a straw and there are high chairs.

Obviously lots of space on the 'green' for buggys. You might feel a little nervous if you've got a toddler that likes to wander off though as the cafe is on busy Mitchell Road. Go to the toilet before you get there.

Open daily and evenings on the weekend. Details, including menu, on their website.

Love Grub
38 Mitchell Road Alexandria 2015

http://lovegrub.com.au/

Nancy's Cafe, Randwick North

Nancy's Cafe is my favourite on the bike shop strip at the beginning of Clovelly Road. It's a typical Sydney cafe with Continental overtones from the Portuguese flag and colonnade wall mural to the menu items such as 'Dutch'/'Persian'/'Turkish' eggs and 'Paris' fresh juice.

The food is fresh, cooked to order. Plenty of tantalising all day breakfast options, including the highly regarded bacon and egg roll which is given a garlicky twist with a smothering of aioli. The cake selection is better than most, with interesting choices such as Hummingbird cake. Coffee is expertly made - Toby's Estate, and Brasserie Bread loaves and takeaway meals such as lasagne and fresh soups fill the counter display.

Nancy's can get a bit cramped for space so best leave the buggy outside.  Not sure if there is a toilet let alone a change table but there a couple of high chairs, a box of toys, and kiddie size shakes and smoothies. Staff are friendly, and generous with the babycino marshmallows.  We got a couple with our coffees which was a nice touch.

It's also one of the few cafes in the area open after 3pm.

Nancy's Cafe and Catering
17 Clovelly Rd

Randwick NSW 2031

Rosebud Restaurant, Rozelle

Impressed by Rosebud today, a big, airy and light-filled corner cafe/restaurant opposite Rozelle's buzzy vintage weekend markets on Darling Street.

We only sampled drinks on this occasion but will definitely return for the delectable sounding middle eastern inspired menu. According to Rosebud's website the new chef has cooked in Sean's Kitchen, Berowra Waters Inn and the old Level 41.

Breakfast items include French toast pan fried raisin brioche w sour cherries, mascarpone, toasted almonds and maple syrup, and slow cooked beans w marinated feta, speck toast, avocado salsa and; rocket. Lunch welcomes in seared lamb tenderloin w radicchio, pumpkin, couscous and sheep’s milk yoghurt and grilled spatchcock w sweet potato two ways, rose and; pomegranate dressing.

The drinks menu was interesting which is always a good sign. I had some Egyptian mint tea but was tempted by the Turkish Delight smoothie, a blend of fresh strawberries, rose syrup, milk and ice cream.

The specials are chalked up on a blackboard wall and the staff are all smiles and help.

The website mentions kids meals and they happily provided Stella with a kids size milkshake in a paper cup with straw. There were several family groups with bubs in prams and at least four high chairs. There is also a change table in the loo.

Another drawcard is Belle Fleur chocolates a few doors away. Pop in for a grapefruit and vodka or strawberry and balsamic vinegar macaroon. The chocolates are sublime with combinations such as dark chocolate and lemon myrtle/mandarin/raspberry or white chocolate and tahini/lime and cointreau.

If you can stand the queue, Adriano Zumbo's new Chocolat patisserie is down the road on Terry Street. We weren't up for it - this time.

Rosebud Bar & Restaurant
654 Darling St. Rozelle

http://www.rosebudsydney.com.au/


Open seven days for breakfast and lunch. Dinner Wednesday - Saturday from 6pm.

Baker Friday, Bondi Junction

Baker Friday is a very delicious bakery cafe tucked away down a little mall next to Westfield. The head baker/owner did a stint at Bourke Street Bakery, and it shows. Similar menu and set up, but a little different and more interesting.

The pear and walnut danish is the best danish pastry I have ever had. It is the perfect balance of pastry, frangipane, poached pear and walnut. I haven't been able to get past it. The quince tart also looked amazing as did the lemon scones, carrot cake and muffins. The almond croissant and ham and jarlsberg croissant sampled by Paul also come highly praised.

The cafe is roomy for prams and they do an average babycino (ie not enough froth). However I didn't spot a high chair. Coffee is decent. Pick up a loaf of sourdough for only $5 - a bargain it seems these days. Other menu items include pizzas, soups, pies and sausage rolls. If I can get past the sweets, I might get to try one some day.

Baker Friday is open Monday - Saturday, early til 4ish.
Shop 9, 237 Oxford St

Hugo's at Manly Wharf

We kind of missed the Hugo's buzz a few years back when it was big in the Cross. However we caught up recently with a lunchtime visit to Hugo's at Manly wharf. We took visiting brother in law from the UK and he and Stella were very impressed with the ferry ride out there.

The location is superb with uninterrupted views over the cove, but also intimate and cosy with indoor heaters and a lively atmosphere. The clientele was pretty diverse with several families, young funky things and older groups celebrating birthdays or just enjoying a tete a tete with a glass of rose. The waiters are strictly Gen Y but attentive and helpful.

There is a kids menu however the starters and pizzas were good for sharing and Stella tucked in with us. The calamari was lovely as were the pizzas; from simple margherita to the meatball and ham with balsamic reduction. All the food coming out of the kitchen looked tasty, especially the desserts. Mains other than pizzas are a little pricey but pizza prices standard for that quality.

There is not alot of buggy space but waiters will help you find some. Kids are offered colouring in on their own clipboard with pencils. There was no change table, just standard loos befitting a bar restaurant.

Verdict: Hugo's at Manly is a good place to take an overseas visitor with its views and Sydney glam element, especially if you've got kids in tow.

www.hugos.com.au/manly

The Centennial Hotel

It's been a long time I know. And this post doesn't even have a pic - what poor form. But please read on as I think this place is worth a visit.

The Centennial Hotel is a pub on Oxford Street, opposite Centennial Park. A bit middle of nowhere but that means relatively easy parking. We were a birthday party of 10 including a newborn baby in a pram on a rainy Sunday afternoon at the unconventional hour of 3pm.

The large modern dining room is out the back and features an open kitchen, a wall of glass windows and wood panelling. It was buzzing, and the clientele ranged from big groups with kids to couples.

The Italian inspired food was surprisingly good. We sampled a range of antipasti including zucchini fritters, whitebait, fried artichoke and grilled haloumi. The blue swimmer crab linguine with chilli was fresh and light but a little spicy for some. The big plate salads, fish and wood-fired pizzas all looked a treat.

Stella enjoyed a margarita pizza off the children's menu as well as samples from everyone else's meals.

The Centennial has high chairs, a good children's menu and crayons for drawing on the paper table cloths. What's nice about this place is that its child friendliness doesn't compromise an elegant sophisticated dining experience.

Prices are average restaurant prices.

88 Oxford Street Woollahra

http://www.centennialhotel.com.au/

Love Supreme, Paddington

Love Supreme is touted as one of Sydney’s best pizza digs, however I beg to differ. It’s like an Aussie foodie’s take on pizza with wonderful well thought out toppings on a less than average base.

To me the essence of a good pizza is a light, slightly puffy, slightly salty base. Love Supreme’s base is flat as a pancake and inconsequential to the toppings rather than complementary. It’s more tarte fine, than rustic pizza.

The space is great and they did have a high chair. However there is nothing else to make this place child friendly. I guess what really left a bitter taste was that our drinks didn’t arrive even though we were the first people there. I think that was down to a disorganised drinks dude too Paddington to care.

The small pizzas were very small – too small for one person (perhaps this was the kids’ menu?!). We had a tasty salad and white anchovies but generally there was little value for money.

www.lovesupreme.com.au

Java Restaurant, Randwick

Java is a little dynamo of a casual eatery on Avoca Street in Randwick serving up fiery flavoursome Indonesian food. It is no frills, cheap and oh so tasty. The service is smiley and the waiters always make you feel welcome even though they know your toddler is about to make an almighty mess.

We have a bit of history at Java. We ate there when Stella was in utero and overdue. And we ate there when she was in hospital down the road, sneaking her out of the ward for some beef rendang before bedtime. Each time we go, we wonder why we haven't gone back sooner.

It's hard to get past re-ordering our favourite dishes. They are: the trusty beef rendang, silky eggplant belado, and kankung terasi, stir fried water spinach/morning glory with chilli. The lemongrass fried chicken is finger licking good and last night we tried the gado gado; egg, tofu, steamed vegies, and iceberg lettuce topped with a sweet peanut sauce and prawn crackers.

The coconut juice with slithers of slimy young coconut compliments the food beautifully. Desserts are interesting and always worth a try; shaved ice concoctions, ice creams and super sweet black sticky rice.

Java is open from 5pm (perhaps earlier) and has a high chair. Not alot of space for prams but this wouldn't be a problem if you went early. There are no toys/books/crayons but the food is quick and the waiters will bend over backwards to make your meal enjoyable, providing straws, plastic cups and lots of smiles.

It's BYO and there is a bottle shop next door.

Selamat jalan!

Java Restaurant - 151 Avoca StreetRandwick NSW 2031

(02) 9398 6990

Ruby's Diner, Waverley

This small roadside diner is more Eastern Suburbs cafe than anything else; and that is a good thing. The food is fresh and expertly cooked, the coffee is Single Origin and the place is as kid friendly as it probably can be given it's small size and location.

That is to say it's on a busy road and the interior is narrow so no room for prams inside. But it's fine for the walking toddler so long as they don't need a high chair (there are none).

There is a kids' dinner menu which is fun and a little gourmet; home made chicken nuggets (kind of mini schnitzels) and fries ($7), spaghetti with shaved parmesan and butter ($5). The kids' lunch includes cheese on toast but I'm not sure why they serve it on white sliced bread and not one of the other great bread options on the regular menu.

For dinner, the tables are covered in butcher's paper with pencils supplied. There are no baby change facilites and be warned there is long spiral staircase to descend to get to the toilet.

The food for grown ups is very tasty, generous, freshly cooked and all mains are under $20. Three of us sampled the beef burger with pickles, vintage cheddar and beetroot (home cooked) served on ciabatta triangles. The salt and pepper squid was accompanied by a zingy lime aioli and gorgeous little cucumber salad with an Asian dressing. One of our party also had chicken breast with corn and buttermilk which was also enjoyed.

The dessert menu included vanilla pannacotta, affogato and waffles with raspberry coulis but none of us could fit it in and the kids were starting to lose it.

Dinner service was alot happier than I've experienced there during the day.

Ruby's Diner is open for dinner in summer only; Thursday - Saturday night from 6pm and is BYO ($2 corkage pp).

173 Bronte Road, Waverley

Lots of online reviews including Time Out rating it one of Sydney's top five burger joints.

http://www.timeoutsydney.com.au/venue/restaurant/modernaustralian/rubys-diner.aspx

Abdul's, Surry Hills

Abdul's is a Sydney institution; a no frills Lebanese take away and sit-in on the corner of Elizabeth and Cleveland Streets. We recently enjoyed an early dinner for a friend's birthday with 9 children under 6 years.

The kids loved the cushion room and food, plate after plate of Lebanese delights including felafel, babaganoush, blackeyed beans, lady's fingers, chicken kebabs, kofte and stacks of flat bread.

The owners were relaxed and left us to our own mess, coming in only to serve up some thick black Lebanese coffee and sweets.

The banquet was only $25 and it was BYO. What more could you want for a big group dinner with toddlers? Ok, maybe a playground.

563 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills

No website but all over the web.

Pilu Kiosk, Freshwater

We fancied a beach excursion a bit further than Clovelly so braved Military Road to get to Freshwater Beach, next to Manly. I had read that the hatted Pilu restaurant was now doing a smart little kiosk.

Freshwater was a breath of fresh air, a bit like a holiday spot up the coast, fewer people, more green, less concrete.

The Kiosk is a quaint little building on a bit of decking adjoining Pilu restaurant. Like the restaurant, the fare is Italian. It 's one of the few places I've found those Sicilian delights - sfogliatelle. They also do a Nutella pastry, home baked muffins and a nice looking selection of sandwiches including a roast suckling pork, apple and mustard one.

Stella had a great ham and cheese toastie called a Mantanella in which the 'toast' was a flaky Burek style pastry. Coffee was good, a roast called 'Florence'.

Not alot of space for prams, no high chairs and no toilets, but the amenities nearby, including two playgrounds, decent public toilets and a gorgeous beach more than make up for it.

The location of this little gem makes it a great place to take visitors to Sydney or even just refresh your own faith in our great metropolis by the sea.

The restaurant menu looked amazing and we will be back sans l'enfant.

http://www.piluatfreshwater.com.au/index.html

http://yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/pilu_kiosk/

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Deus Ex Machina, Camperdown

Heard rave reviews about this cafe cum moto bike shop so thought we'd make a dash over to Camperdown. We weren't disappointed with the space or sumptuous breakfasts.

Who would have thought a shop dedicated to two wheels could spawn a great cafe. It's big, airy and industrial, appropriate for its stinky Parramatta Rd location. Reminded me of a Belgian/Dutch cafe, big and functional with communal tables but with a distinct 'cool' factor with the artworks and buzzy atmosphere. We sat next to a big retro 2 metre tall speaker amplifying ambient music from a little iPod plugged in at the side.

Breakfast and lunch menus are displayed large format on blackboards behind the counter. Customers order and pay upfront - a bonus for people with kids who like to make a quick exit should things go pear-shaped.

We sampled the highly regarded Boston baked beans with AC Butchery sausages, poached egg (a little hard) and a side of crispy bacon; creamy scrambled eggs with dill speckled Tassie gravalax on toasted brioche accompanied by perfectly dressed watercress, and a bit of toast and jam for Stella.

Huge serves, fresh and very tasty. The other dishes coming out of the kitchen looked great too: strawberry crepes with burnt orange butter curd; prosciutto, asparagus and poached eggs, and classy looking pastries, made in-house by Chef Pierre.

Coffee was good and the babycino came in a little paper espresso cup which is handy for two year olds with butter fingers.

Deus is open for Italian-inpired dinners. Anyone tried it?

Parking was relatively easy and there is plenty of space and easy access for prams. Weird thing was that although they didn't have high chairs, the loo had a baby change table.

The shop next door was more interesting than expected, probably helped by the great sale they had on. I scored Stella a great little pair of batik Thai fisherman's pants for $10.

http://www.deus.com.au/

Pure Bronte Pistachio, Bronte Beach

Have stumbled upon a winner, Pure Bronte Pistachio, a newbie on the cafe strip at Bronte beach.

Strange name but dig a little and you find out this cafe is also a gelato bar named in honour of a town called Bronte in Italy that revels in it's biannual pistachio harvest. Low and behold a lovely gelato fridge with flavours such as Blood Orange and Piemontese Hazelnut. On checking their website I found they offer kids in uniform two scoops for the price of one!

Tastefully decorated with fresh bright colours, this cafe has the best views of the beach on the strip. It is totally open to the street front and raised up to a decent height so that passing cars are inconsequential to the view.

But the food and drink is what makes or breaks a place and this cafe is a breath of sea air on a strip of mediocre cafes. We sampled the spelt fruit toast with honey and vanilla spiced ricotta and the bacon and egg roll with home made tomato chutney. Both were great however Paul thought the chutney a little sweet and would have preferred HP sauce....

The menu boasts gluten free options, organic beef and free range chicken. Burgers seem to be a specialty - something to try next time.

The coffee was excellent - a blend called Virtigo (see website for roasting details!). I enjoyed a great iced coffee. First sip was typical smooth espresso and by the end was beautifully enhanced the dollop of home made vanilla gelato.

Stella had a babycino with a difference - the marshmallow came toasted. Great idea but not very sensible putting it on a sharp souvlaki stick!

The cafe has a high chair and plenty of outdoor tables. We sat indoors on the real 'high chairs' to enjoy the view.

I noted the fridge did a nice range of beers for anyone wanting a cool one with their burger; Peroni, Corona, Cascade and Pure Blonde to be exact.

Service was swift and friendly and I noticed the place was constantly being wiped down (perhaps to keep away the flies?!). Full marks for bringing a bottle of water to the table as soon as we sat down.

Will be heading back here soon to sample the Pure Bronte Pistachio.

www.purebrontepistachio.com.au/

285A Crown Street, The Winery & Pieno Cafe

This new complex on Crown Street is an impressive space. You can indulge in a little gourmet food shopping at Thomas Dux Grocer (Stella loved the long ramp) or check out Sam the Butcher's ode to organic meat at his new flagship store.

The Winery by Gazebo is as gorgeous as touted with eclectic decor, a jungle wall, flamingos, cool music and an upstairs salon which would be perfect for a private party. It has a cool outside area which would be great for letting the kids run wild. I recommend sticking to a glass of wine and a bit of cheese though as the food sampled when I went with a big group was not very good.

The Winery does keep child friendly hours opening from 12pm during the week and 3pm on weekends. Not sure if they have high chairs. www.thewinerybygazebo.com.au

We did enjoy a breakfast at Pieno cafe next door where they do have high chairs. Italian inspired cafe fare with breakfast panini with prosciutto and provolone etc Of course I couldn't go past trying the Blueberry Gridle Cakes. They were good but a bit too 'cakey' for me - I prefer hotcakes.

The coffee was excellent; a Melbourne roast called 'Five Senses'. The Babycino needs some work - more suited to a 6 year old; all hot milk in a glass.

Plenty of space for prams and high chairs provided. Open 9am - 5pm.

Parking in this area is tricky but not impossible.

This blog has pics of menu and good pics of Pieno: http://simonfoodfavourites.blogspot.com/2009/09/pieno-breakfast-surry-hills-5-september.html

285A Crown Street Surry Hills

Clodeli, Clovelly

It's taken me a while to write our local up. Perhaps because I take it for granted. Clodeli is an excellent cafe cum deli just down the road from us. We've been calling in for coffee and treats since Stella was just a few days old.

It's buzzy, light and airy, and very child friendly. They have a stack of high chairs and kids and their families are probably 60% of the clientele. There is ample space for prams outside, and inside if it's not too busy.

The Allpress coffee is expertly extracted and the babycinos are spot on with just the right amount of froth and warm milk. If you've had too many shots for the day, I can recommend the chai - it's real, served in a teapot with honey.

The food is thoughtfully prepared and fresh. The breakfast/brunch menu is broad and interesting with dishes such as Greek inspired home baked giant beans and goats curd, buttermilk hotcakes with banana, walnuts and maple syrup, and a breakfast tagine. The lunchtime mezze plate (vegie and meat options) is a generous selection of goodies from the deli.

There is a cake cabinet in which the star attraction is the decadent and addictive chocolate cheesecake brownie.

One wall of Clodeli is dedicated to stocks of gourmet goodies from olive oil and paprika to muesli and Pat and Stick's ice cream. There is a selection of organic babyfood if you're caught short.

Although there is no play area, there are a few books and toy, and paper and pencils are available. The toilet is large and equipped with a good change table.

The staff and owner obviously like children and aren't at all phased by the number of babies and toddlers and their accompanying paraphenalia who pile in every day. Clodeli often looks hectic but you never have to wait long for a table. Parking might be an issue for anyone needing to drive - try our street just opposite.

Clodeli Fine Foods www.clodeli.com

210 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Open seven days til about 5.

Favoloso, Bronte

Favoloso is an stmospheric cafe/deli tucked away in the hinterland of Bronte away from the beach hordes. It's a gem; a good Sydney cafe with a distinctly Italian flavour. That means everything is optimised for taste, from the oregano laced scrambled eggs to the Mediterraneo panini with prosciutto. There are lots of choice Italian ingredients like fresh basil, ricotta and provolone dotted through the dishes.

The cafe has an excellent store selling gourmet favourites like A&C smallgoods, Maggie Beer ice cream and Iggys bread, and a quirky selection of Italian kitchen gifts. The La Nuova Era coffee is good, as is the babycino and there are several high chairs. There is space for prams around the four outdoor tables. Inside is a bit trickier with less space and steps leading up to the cafe area.

There are a few books and toys for the kids but best bring your own. Parking can be tricky on the weekends and after school with cafe patrons, residents and people queuing up for Iggy's bakery across the road.

The owners write on their website that the cafe is inspired by the Aeolian Islands off Sicily. We haven't sampled any of their main lunch dishes which is presumably where the Aeolian influences kick in. Favoloso puts on dinners and cooking classes - I am just about to sign up to the e-newsletter.

43-45 Belgrave Street (cnr with Murray), Bronte
www.favoloso.com.au

Visited Sunday 22 November 2009.

Faheem's Fast Food, Enmore

Once upon a time Stella loved spicy food. During one short stay at the Children's Hospital when Stella was 14 months, we snuck her out for a bite to eat at Java. a local Indonesian restaurant in Randwick. Much to our delight, she loved the beef rendang.

Since then, we've given her Thai curries, satay and chilli con carne, all equally enjoyed. Recently however Stella's tastes have changed and she's a bit more fussy.

Last night (if you can call 5.30pm 'night'), we took Stella to Faheem's Fast Food in Enmore, a fantastic tasty Pakistani curry house. We've been before and she loved the selection and general mess of rice and sloppy curries. This time she was just in it for the rice and naan bread.

Faheem's is known as a cheap and easy no frills dining spot frequented by taxi drivers. It's a formica and fluorescent light kind of place but the curries are fresh and they don't leave you feeling full of ghee afterwards. The main attraction is the tandoori oven which produces fluffy naan, chicken and fish tikka' and spicy seekh kebabs.

Although the menu is full of chicken, lamb and beef dishes, including the Haleem beef curry which has been cooked for 48 hours and the more adventurous 'brain' curry, the vegetarian options are great. Lots of eggplant, potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, lentils and paneer (white cheese).

The drink selection is interesting with Pakistani sodas, mango juice and a lovely thick mango lassi which Stella loved. Not a place for alcohol, so leave the beers at home.

It doesn't seem as cheap as it once was but at no more than $12 a dish, it's hardly going to break the bank.

The eating house has a couple of Ikea high chairs and plenty of space for prams if you go early. There is also a convenient car park round the back off Edgeware Road from which you can access the back of the restaurant.

While this probably isn't a great option for toddler if she's gone off her spice, it's tasty for the parents.

Faheem's Fast Food, 196 Enmore Road, Enmore

Yum Cha without the wait, Kingsford

When the sun doesn't shine and there is a chill in the air, yum cha is a great way to spend a Sunday lunch. The eye sore that is Souths Juniors on Anzac Parade just past the Kingsford roundabout is home to a great yum cha place which is fresh, well-priced, kid-friendly and without queues.

The Imperial Peking is a few floors up with great views toward Botany Bay and the airport, good for the planespotting toddler. It has plenty of high chairs and food comes quicker than you can gather up the chopsticks.

The usual fare is on offer - lots of steamed and fried dumplings, noodles prepared tableside, fried calamari, plates of bbq pork and duck, custard tarts, and Stella's favourite do fu fa - sweet silky tofu.

It is open daily from midday and you don't need to be a member of the club to get in - just sign in at the door. Once you get past the pokie machines on the ground floor and up to the restaurant, the only reminder you are in a club is the widescreen Keno monitor up on the wall.

There is plenty of space for prams and a lift to get up there. The parking is also easy along Anzac Parade.

Yum Cha might not be the most nutritious food for todders but it's tasty and fun, and mess is expected. Not a great for vegetarians.


Souths Juniors 558A Anzac Parade Kingsford:

http://www.thejuniors.com.au/page/imperial_peking.html

Bellagio Cafe pic

Bellagio Cafe courtyard - sorry can't get this to the right post!

Bellagio Cafe, Waverley

Cafes have featured heavily in Stella's short life. In the beginning it was for me to feel sane and part of the world outside my four walls when she was screaming the house (flat) down. Now she is a babycino connoisseur. I always thought this was a sad yummy mummy thing but now I see the logic, the babycino is to buy time while mum/dad enjoy a flat white.

Naturally the cafes within a three kilometre radius of home have been tried and tested.

One of the best is Bellagio, corner of Bronte Road and Macpherson Street, Charing Cross (Waverley). They serve a great Campos coffee and the babycinos are free. For a long time they were also serving up lovely little madeleines of assorted flavours but a recent health inspection ended that. Sadly missed - Stella still looks for it.

What makes Bellagio special though is the outdoor section with bikes, toys, little table and chairs and house for toddlers to play in. The toilet has a change table, albeit in need of an update. In fact the toys could do with an update too. But who's complaining when you can get great coffee and a kids play area in one place.

The staff are kid friendly too and last time I looked there were also crayons and colouring-in books to help with rainy days inside. The inside has a good wide lounge along the wall - great for not-yet-rolling babies .

We walk there but parking looks difficult.

The food is good but not exceptional. The corn fritters are light and rightly packed with corn. Not sure about the tzatziki topping though. The last time I had the french toast, they were a bit stingy on the bananas with just a couple of slices. Brownies decent. The coffee is strong.
There are also good reading materials if you have a sleeping baby or preoccupied toddler.