North

North feels like the loyal friend that doesn’t promise the world but always delivers exactly what you ask. This is especially important in a city with a constantly changing culinary scene.

Little has changed in the menu or fit-out since the cafe opened in 2007. This is where its appeal lies. Owner Meg Lawton began with a limited budget, relying on the assistance of friends, family and second-hand scrap metal for everything except the coffee machine.

The white Knoll Tulip chairs were salvaged from a friend’s closed restaurant and complement the minimalist fit out. The wall is covered with a custom, hand-drawn mural design by Sadie Chandler, a local artist and another friend.

The menu features a Reuben sandwich and the Champion’s Breakfast – boiled egg, soldiers and housemade relish. North doesn’t strive for constant creativity and continual alterations. Instead, Lawton designed it to be simple yet effective. Any changes, and customers usually insist their favourites come back.

Combine this with dependable Coffee Supreme coffees and Little Bertha cakes, and you have a local worth making friends with.