Hardware Societe Hardware Street

Located amid the mish-mash of eateries on Hardware Lane sits a tiny cafe that pulls in a large number of city dwellers all week. The interior is clean and bright and the space is small, but there are several tables out the front overlooking the lane to help with indoor overflow.

The counter is adorned with sweets. Macarons are set in lines next to other baked goods such as almond praline biscuits and croissants, which go down well with coffee in tea party crockery or teapots with colourful, woolly cosies.

Savoury tarts and empanadas change flavours daily and sit inside the light cabinet. Specials are written up on a small blackboard on the wall. Weekday lunchtime hour can be rather busy at this bustling city venue, so if you’ve only got an hour, get in early.

Head chef, Jean Paul Dargan, is devoted to using seasonal produce, which may result in slight variations to the menu. However, fervid customers can rest assured knowing their favourites such as the baked eggs with chorizo sausage, piquillo peppers and queso de cabra, won't move.