The Bondi to Bronte walk must always end in brunch. At least that’s my rule. Having been dragged out of bed earlier than preferred this particular morning, coffee was also on my mind, and with a takeaway crowd loitering on the footpath Harry’s Espresso Bar looked promising. Just off the northern strip of Campbell Parade, the café is always brimming with the local yoga loving veggie-growing crowd, particularly on Saturdays with the Bondi Grower’s Markets just across the road. For a few confused years I thought that Harry’s was in fact a cafe attached to a laundrette. It’s not, it’s next door, though come to think of it ‘coffee whilst your clothes dry’ isn’t a bad cafe concept.
Low tables line the outside wall, perfect for people watching, but the indoor décor is equally entertaining with a colourful graffiti wall touting mantras like ‘take it slow’, ‘Bondi Bliss’ and a hotpink ‘hey cupcake!’.
Order and pay happens at the black and white candy striped counter, where you can also help yourself to water in rainbow colored cups. We went for the cereal options, but the menu boasts a range of savoury sandwiches and bagels made with Iggy’s bread, as well as a honeycomb affogato, locally made cakes and milkshake specials in flavours like strawberry jam and chocolate fudge.
Whole grain Bircher, toasted almonds, chai honey $12.50
My order gets a tick, the soft and pillowy pink oats given crunch from a sprinkle of slivered almonds and sweetness from grated green apple, orange segments and the obligatory raisins. Subtle chai spice and fresh mint leaves elevate the bowl beyond your ordinary bircher.
Harry’s maple muesli, four fruit salad, rose syrup yoghurt $13.50
Presented neatly divided for diy ratio’s, the generous bowl of maple muesli includes a fresh cut seasonal fruit salad and some lusciously creamy natural yoghurt with the slightest aromatic hint of rosewater. The muesli may be my fave granola in Bondi yet, toasty and just-right sweet, like a crumbled breakfast appropriate oatmeal cookie.
Good morning bright tea – high grown Ceylon, rich malty Assam, deep complex yunnan $5.00
And as one would hope, Harry’s espresso doesn’t disappoint, an ever-changing organic, single origin house blend. Though if like me your still groggy after a latte, there are also a great range of tea craft teas on offer tailored to suit your mood, from ‘heal’ to ‘peace and quiet’ to my more motivational choice, ‘Good Morning Bright’ tea.
Mm X
