The Gun Shop Cafe

The Gunshop Cafe epitomises West End: approachable, laid back and possessed of a light trace of hippie. There’s a constant buzz from the barista banging out Merlo coffee, and chatter from the leafy courtyard.

The heritage-listed, former firearms retailer now stands as a warm, art-filled second home for locals. But those from afar also far flock here on weekends to enjoy the sought after brunch.

Jason Coolen and Karen Crawford, the husband and wife team behind Gunshop, have committed to an adaptable menu that focuses on local produce. The eggs are from the Glasshouse Mountains, the pork from Bangalow and the honey is harvested from the couple’s own rooftop hives.

The menu features a few usual suspects such as avocado with cherry tomatoes, double-smoked bacon and poached eggs. But quirkier cuisine is where Gunshop really shines. The plumb trio of potato and feta hash cakes showered with herbed sour cream is a strong example, as is the smoked pork with cider-braised cabbage, brussels sprouts and baby spinach.