Activities & Days Out / 10 May, 2018 / My Baba
The Corner House, very aptly, and happily for us, really is right around the corner from where we live, and thus at the rather early time of 8.30 am on a Sunday morning we made the short walk, (or skip in the children’s case) there. Crazily, 8.30 am was the only time we could manage a team family breakfast, in-between the children’s various football and hockey matches that weekend, so we were very pleased that they were open so early on a Sunday morning.
When we arrived there was quite a bustle of people already queuing for takeaway coffee and pastries in the deli, (and, I noted, dogs were allowed in, another bonus since our dog, Delilah whimpers most dramatically whenever I tie her up outside whilst I run in to get my much needed caffeine hit!)
The lovely manageress, Jacinta, showed us to a gorgeous restaurant area, dotted with decorative touches from local artists and artisans that The Corner House collaborates with. When I tasted my coffee I understood the queue for takeaway and Jacinta explained that they used a specialty New Zealand artisan coffee supplier, Caravan Coffe Roasters, that not only provides staff training in how to make a great coffee but also makes sure that the coffee workers on the plantations are paid a fair wage. This ethical stance, Jacinta explained, is something they take very seriously at the The Corner House when choosing which products to buy.
Breakfast was delicious, there was a children’s menu with crayons to keep them occupied; Arthur chose scrambled eggs, Henrietta had delicious homemade granola with yoghurt, whilst Lucas, a man of rather refined taste.. .wait for it… had popcorn chicken and chips with sweetcorn… yes, for breakfast! A major treat! I had smashed avocado with chilli on sourdough whilst Rufus had scrambled eggs and bacon. All perfectly scrumptious!
We then when down the stairs, past the lovely garden area to another cafe area, decked out with children’s books and toys and next door to a big children’s playroom, resplendent with a gorgeous, large, wooden “corner house”, dressing up clothes, and table football, amongst other things. This is where parents can eat and relax whilst their children play, knowing they’re not disturbing other guests!
There are also 2 more, large, bright studios that play host to a buzzing timetable of various exercise and other classes for adults and children, as well as being available to hire for children’s parties.
This is a beautifully designed, family-friendly neighbourhood hub, with a wonderful sense of ethical pride in the products it stocks and local business collaborations; created by locals for locals.
By Charlotte Pearl