Small Bites_Hoopla | Kensington & Tuck Shop Café | Northbridge
I’ve been on a bit of a local food tour recently. Exploring new frontiers & expanding my culinary horizons. In fact I’ve just been discovering a few of the New Generation Small Cafes popping up around the inner-city suburbs. By New Generation, I mean these cafes aren’t your usual coffee shops. Each of these cafes are usually intimate in size, enthusiastic in nature, fabulous in food, passionate in coffee & possess unique design characteristics that distinguish themselves from other generic coffee chains. Plus they just feel great.
Similar to the rise in popularity of artisanal coffee roasters in Western Australia, there seems to be a growing breed of business owners & staff who, café by café, are improving both the standard of coffee & the surrounding communities who benefit from such social activity. I’m a big advocate for the independently-owned neighbourhood café. Whether it’s my local or not, I thoroughly enjoyed this food tour & will continue to seek out more!
Hoopla Espresso
What a little gem. Everything about Hoopla Espresso feels so comfortable & like it’s been there for longer than its one year existence. Tucked away on a small suburban shopping strip, this place has quickly developed a strong reputation for good quality coffee using local Five Senses Dark Horse blend on the magnificent Synesso machine. One of the best cups of coffee I’ve tasted in a while. The small menu changes regularly & I enjoyed a warm mushroom tart on crispy puff pastry for lunch. Find out more about Hoopla here.
Highlight The coffee. Wow.
Lowlight Nothing to report. I’d like to try out more of the food next time.
Rating 4 coffees out of 5
Will we be back
Details Hoopla Espresso 8 Moresby Street Kensington T 08 9474 6006 W www.hooplaespresso.com Facebook page
Tuck Shop Café Pie House & Delicatessen
The title is a bit of a mouthful & so are the generous serves of their delicious house-made gourmet pies. The staff are friendly, the interior is fresh & full of natural light, & the excellent coffee is by Toby’s Estate. The menu is printed daily & includes a combination of breakfast favourites, salads & those signature pies. I’ve enjoyed both the Lamb, rosemary & vegetable pie & the Chicken & tarragon pie. With a serve of crispy hand cut chips & creamy aioli on the side, Tuck Shop Cafe is already on my favourites list. And this place has been open for less than six months. Find out more about Tuck Shop here.
Highlight The food & atmosphere, & plus its unique location at the Chinatown end of William Street.
Lowlight The variety of cakes & sweets could be increased. The display fridge looks a little bare.
Rating 3.5 pies out of 5
Will we be back Already have.
Details Tuck Shop Café Pie House & Delicatessen 178 Newcastle Street Northbridge T 08 9227 1659 Facebook page
