One unexpected thing we have discovered since moving to the New England region is just how much time we’ve spent in cafés.
To be fair, renovating a kitchen immediately after moving house probably had something to do with it.
But somewhere between morning coffees, long lunches and country drives, we’ve also discovered that cafés are where communities happen. You quickly learn who the locals are, who is just passing through and, before long, somebody is asking whether you’re new to town.
One thing we have learnt is that buying a coffee rarely ends with just buying a coffee.
Somewhere between ordering and finishing the last sip, we’ve usually ended up chatting to someone.
Now, some might say that’s because we are always talking. Listening to the chuckles that I can already hear in the background, I know exactly what some of our friends are thinking.
But honestly, people come up to us.
They want to know whether we’re locals, whether we’re new to town or just passing through.
And we’ve met some wonderful people because of coffee, cake and country roads.
These are our favourite discoveries so far. I know there are many more, and I have no doubt this list will continue to grow.
Bean Travelin’, Guyra
Chris makes a mean coffee.
I won’t hold it against him that the very first coffee I ordered consisted of one skim milk and one full cream, only for the cups to arrive labelled “Fatty” and “Skinny.”
It was up to me to decide whether I’d already been insulted or whether this guy simply had a cheeky sense of humour.
As it turns out, definitely the latter.
Bean Travelin’ shares the building with a hairdresser and the beautiful Harvest Collection boutique, so it’s very easy to lose an hour or two.
The couches invite you to stay a little longer, Chris seems to know everyone, and before long we found ourselves being introduced to locals over a morning coffee.
We went in looking for coffee.
We came out knowing half of Guyra.
Toast also receives regular treats, so he is equally happy with this arrangement.
L’Atelier Patisserie, Armidale
I was introduced to this lovely little patisserie while meeting someone for the first time, and it has quickly become one of those places you almost don’t want to tell everyone about because it feels like a hidden gem.
Situated just outside the main shopping area, it has a beautiful outdoor courtyard, fantastic coffee and pastries that somehow make it very difficult to leave with just one.
Half of the café is taken up by the kitchen because everything is made on site, and you can certainly taste the difference.
It is well worth the visit.
The Blind Chef, Guyra
With our kitchen consisting mostly of cabinetry, dust and optimism for several weeks, The Blind Chef became something of a lifesaver.
If you want a home-cooked meal without having to cook it yourself, this is the place.
The café is warm, welcoming and the meals genuinely feel like they’ve come straight from Mum’s kitchen.
From curries and pasta to steaks, nachos and homemade desserts, there is something for everyone.
Double Drop Espresso, Armidale
The first time I stopped here was simply for a quick coffee.
The second visit was for one of their famous sausage rolls with chutney.
Now I understand why they’re famous.
The menu isn’t huge, but sometimes you don’t need a huge menu when what you do, you do exceptionally well.
If you’re after a great coffee and something warm on a cold New England morning, this is definitely worth the stop.
Courthouse Coffee, Armidale
One thing I always wanted living in Sydney was simply a really good sandwich.
I know… it’s only a chicken sandwich.
But there are chicken sandwiches…
…and then there are chicken sandwiches.
We sat outside in the mall listening to a local musician, enjoying the sunshine and slowing down for an hour.
The sandwich arrived on fresh bread with delicious aioli and, perhaps my favourite surprise of all, an actual side salad.
Not just one lonely lettuce leaf pretending to be salad.
It was fresh, generous and beautifully presented.
I will definitely be back to work my way through the rest of the menu.
Six Counties, Armidale
Tucked inside the New England Regional Art Museum, Six Counties is one of those lovely little discoveries that combines good food with a relaxed atmosphere.
The portions are enormous, the coffee is excellent and afterwards you can wander through the gallery.
The menu made choosing difficult, which I always think is a good sign.
I also learnt a new word while I was there.
Munificent.
I had absolutely no idea it was a word, but perhaps if I’m lucky someone might one day leave that description beside my portrait hanging in an art gallery.
A girl can dream.
The Rustic Fig, Uralla
If you’re visiting Uralla and feel like something other than the pub, this is a wonderful option.
Part café, part deli and part homewares store, it somehow encourages you to stay much longer than you planned.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is delicious and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find yourself wandering around the shop before you leave.
Graze, Walcha
I met a friend in Walcha who suggested we have breakfast here.
I’m very glad she did.
Set inside another beautiful old building, Graze serves lovely food using local produce and has a great little balcony where you can sit in the sunshine.
I ordered the breakfast bruschetta and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
It’s another place I’ll happily return to.
Looking Ahead
We have only just scratched the surface of the New England region.
There are still cafés, bakeries, country pubs and hidden little gems waiting to be discovered.
Fortunately, this is one piece of research we are more than happy to continue.
If you have a favourite coffee shop, bakery or country café anywhere around the New England region, I’d love to hear about it.
There is every chance we’ll end up there next.