On the corner of two busy roads in the heart of the suburb of Ashgrove, Home Store and Cafe is an extension of the pint-sized Home Store right next door. It is bigger, but still maintains a small homeliness. Though it was only a short venture here, enough about looking around indicated why it continues to attract lots of people in the nearby area.
One day I had ventured to this side of town to visit an old schoolmate from years back, and it basically involved just catching up at his house and having a conversation about how life is and everything. During the meeting up, it was brought up that he wanted to join the library and one was close by. Also, during the years of absence it was made known how I all of a sudden developed a taste for coffee - therefore, as a last meeting point for the afternoon, the two of us went out, and with his knowledge of the area. One place that he often goes to was possible, but being a Sunday it had closed early (plus was the library). So, with a bit of searching around he suggested this as one of the places, and being open - even just for a while longer - it was decided to be the place.
The interior is very bright and would not look out of place on the front cover of a design magazine. It has enough of that cute aesthetic, plus heaps of bright colours and natural light to really emphasise the look of the place. Using the name, "Home", they really emphasise it by having a welcoming environment.
There is a bookcase off in the corner, heaps of magazines to read, and it also partially doubles as a store, with fragrances, and music available for purchase. It also keeps the kids in mind by having a private playroom, and organising a lunch box option for them. It is all open-aired, with the door open during business hours to let the breeze through; additionally, heaps of al fresco tables are available, plus the literal window seats in a line like a counter. This is definitely the meeting point in the neighbourhood.
The service, as it can already be expected, was quite pleasant. It is done with smiles, and was really efficient. Note, hearsay is that this place can get very busy during the peak hour times; when my friend and I were here, we were about the only two seated at any of the tables. Therefore, the orders arrived promptly. It is the usual counter service, where you go up and place your order, pay and get a number then find your chosen seat.
Home Store + Cafe does the usual range of cafe fare, including the much loved all day breakfast. Basically, just expect all of the favourites to be here and they will likely be on the menu. That also means heaps of sweets to go with your choice of drink, and that is always good enough for me. Hey, it is what I am here for and why I am leaving a review. It is a positive one as well.
There is one name that does it for me when it comes to the coffee roasters, and that is "Campos". I have been somewhat more inclined to go somewhere based on them advertising that they use Campos for their coffee beans. It was not the deciding factor, but seeing it on the porcelin cup brought a smile to my face. From the doppio that I had, which was well prepared, I noted that there were fruity notes in the beans. It has a less acidic texture, and more focused on sweet while being at the right temperature for drinking - not too hot.
As always, a good coffee needed to be paired with a sweet. I can't quite remember what it was that caught my eye, though it certainly resembled a pear tart. Adding to the aesthetics, this was served on a bread board. It came with a side of cream. The crust of the sweets was crumbly, and had a good buttery taste to it. Inside was soft and moist, with a few bits of pear mixed through. It could have worked a bit better with a more distinct filling, but overall it went well with coffee on the side.
So, I can definitely see how Home Store and Cafe works for many people. It combines the needed atmosphere and aesthetic that makes the local tempting to go to, with good quality and wholesome fare. Colour me impressed with it.
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