Concrete Playground

Atop a hill, overlooking the bustling sands of North Bondi, Brighton Boulevard is a little corner of the world worth stumbling across. Already home to Bru Coffee and Jo & Willy’s Depot, the strip has recently welcomed Porch & Parlour to its cluster of popular haunts.  Despite some serious competition on the block, Porch has already established a cult following for their organic Sacred Grounds coffee and simple, delicious fare - including all day lunch and breakfast.

Nestled between a florist and a yoga school, ‘Porch’ is a cafe, retail shop and gallery rolled into one. The space itself is rustic and laidback. Spacious wooden tables and comfy antique chairs provide ample room to kick back with a group or to power through some work, with knitted blankets and heaters on hand for those willing to brave it outside during winter. Porch’s approachable vibe and pet-friendly policy contributes to its universal appeal, made apparent by the diverse crowd it welcomes through its doors.

Worth a nod is the Veggie Breakfast ($16) served with piping hot roast tomatoes, smashed eggs (a Porch original recipe), spinach and whopping big mushrooms. Add healthy lashings of bacon for those who want it both ways. Other highlights include the daily Soupe de Porch, served with your pick of the Sonoma breads on offer. Their green juice (cucumber, fresh apple and spirulina) also deserves a shout-out for being the best hangover cure this side of town. For those on the go midweek, Porch’s generous bacon and egg one-handers ($5) or fresh salad wraps ($9.50) do the trick nicely.

During the weekdays Porch is a serene haven, but on weekends expect a crowd. While a seat may prove hard to come by at times, the staff are downright awesome and do their best to accommodate everyone.  While the kitchen is small, the food is made with a lot of love. Stick it out and your patience will be rewarded.

Perhaps one of the nicest things about this newcomer is that the owners have created more than just a cafe: Porch is a community unto itself. Supporting local artists, designers and produce, it ranks as one of Bondi’s best beachside hangouts.

Images: Alex Relic