Sydney’s Inner Western Suburb of Newtown is chockfull of boutiques, bakeries and unique bars. Armed with a nose for good coffee I hopped on a bus from Central to check it out.
One of the first places I discovered was the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. As a confessed chocoholic this place was always going to make me smile. The giant vats of chocolate being whisked near the doorway give the whole shop a heady scent. The menu contains all sorts of chocolate related drinks and treats and there is a range of truffles and gift boxes at the back of the store too (the handle-less hug mug was particularly tempting!)
(Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, 142-146 King Street, Newtown)
Just across the road is the flagship of one of Sydney’s highly recommended speciality coffee providers Campos Coffee. The café has a relaxed atmosphere with lots of high tables suitable for solo sippers and shelves full of coffee-making accessories and premium beans. On the second floor you will find a cupping room where coffee lovers can participate in a tasting session and learn about the background and processing of coffee from all around the world.
(Campos Coffee, 193 Missenden Road, Newtown)
Back on King Street you will find shops to satisfy all your retail needs. From vintage clothing (try C’s Flashback) to books (Better Read Than Dead) and artwork (Blue Dog Posters) it’s great fun just to browse them all. Hidden down the side alleys are some eye-catching pieces of street art which I can’t help but photograph. If you’re in the mood for a movie, then the Dendy Cinema is a great place to catch an independent film or blockbuster screening.
(All on King Street)
And then there is the cake. Newtown is home to several bakeries but there are two that are worthy of a mention. First up is Black Star Pastry whose confections cause a queue at all hours of the day. Their strawberry and watermelon gluten free cream slices were a hit during my visit but I was drawn towards the orange cake topped with Persian fig and rose petals (as delicious as it was pretty.)
(Black Star Pastry, 277 Australia St, Newtown)
The Aussie pie is a much loved institution and at the The Pie Tin they do every flavour imaginable. Served with salad, sweet potato fries, mash or mushy peas, lunch at the Pie Tin requires a big appetite. If you have a sweet tooth like me, however, make sure you save room for the sweet pies. Tim Tams, Oreo Cookies, Malteasers – everything good in this world has been baked into a pie and comes with a side of fresh cream or ice cream. You can enjoy your sweet slice in store or take it away but you’ll probably need to eat it in two sittings either way!
(The Pie Tin, 1a Brown Street, Newtown)
Coffee, cake, vintage clothing and a good movie – a day in Newtown is one well spent.
