Penny Farthing Espresso

206 High St, Northcote
(03) 9482 2246
http://pennyfarthingespresso.com/ 

I’m not a morning person.

So naturally, sleeping in (especially on the weekends) is one of my favourite things. But one strange sunday i decided to do the ‘unthinkable’ and wake up at 7:30am!

Actually, it wasnt that bad since i was taking a special somebody out for breakfast . So we had our first ever breakfast date/outing at Penny Farthing Espresso, a quaint little Northcote café that serves breakkie, lunch and dinner. They are also big on bicycles!

The amount of what I like to call “bicycle cafés” are on the rise with some already quite well known ones such as Café Racer, Little Mule, Liaison Café and the nearby Human powered Café. If you dont already know, a Penny Farthing is a particular type of bicycle where the front wheel is ENORMOUS and the back wheel is relatively small. I’m no Cyclist nor am I an expert in this field so I’ll leave it there!

The fit out is quite simple but warm and homely. There’s the front and back area for seating (separated by the kitchen) as well as an outdoor seating area in the backyard. The back does seem a little gloomier and more cramped than the front but this is merely a minor observation of mine.

Coffee is from Industry Beans which are actually those roasted by the owners of the café, Trevor and Steve Simmons. One taste and you’ll know these guys are serious about their coffee – strong, bitter (and very hot) – the way I like it (sorry don’t remember the notes – it was a little while ago). There’s their standard Vintage Espresso Blend as well as two changing single origins.

The grub: the menu is relatively simple with options such as toast, eggs and muesli, but it’s served all day which is always a hit with late risers *ahem*. Both of us eyed the Free range eggs with Danish Fetta served with either Rosemary roasted pumpkin, spinach or a bruschetta of tomato, fresh basil, Spanish onion and a side of Harissa. Generally anything with pumpkin and spinach will catch my eye, but same goes with milady…so I let her pick that one. I chose the Bruschetta.

The eggs came in these little fascinating pans in which they were cooked beautifully. The white  was almost jelly-like, and the yolk with runny goodness. F’s pumpkin and spinach was lovely, full of sweetness and the aromatic rosemary. The bruschetta was very light and refreshing – less flavoursome but probably a good way to start off the day.

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Rating: 7/10

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Palatable

the coffee
eggs with pumpkin and spinach

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Unpalatable

x

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Overall

It is hard to judge a cafe from a breakfast meal let alone from one visit, but it is obvious that the Simmons brothers have kept things simple, doing the basics very well. Coffee is what this joint’s really about so make sure you order a cup.  Well worth the visit if you’re in the area!
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