he atmosphere inside Gardiner and Field is electric, as one can expect on the opening day of a new cafe. Owners Jess Feldy and Nick Gardiner are rushing between the coffee machine and the door, making coffees and swiftly greeting customers with welcoming grins.

This is the boys’ first shot at running their own cafe, but they’ve clocked up enough experience in the industry to know what’s going on. Feldy previously worked at 30 Mill and Gardiner at The Maling Room in Canterbury.

From the outside, Gardiner and Field almost still looks like a local milk bar, nestled in amongst residential houses, parallel to the local tennis court. A row of benches lining the pavement hints at the building’s new purpose and provides a nice spot to sit when the sun is out.

Once inside, you’re greeted with crisp white walls and navy coloured chairs sitting neatly beneath compact tables. The combination of well placed down lights and big windows fills the space with plenty of light to read the morning paper by. Daffodils in tiny medicine flasks sit atop each table and several more hang from a fragile tree branch in the front window – a welcome reminder that Spring is just around the corner.

Feldy hopes the cafe will entice both the locals and those not from the area to come in for some good food and coffee including a house-made blend from The Maling Room and rotating single origin varieties.

“We hope it’s going to be a fun place to hang out,” says Feldy, “a bit of an adventure for those not from around here and a local hangout for those who are”.

When it comes to the menu, Gardiner and Field are all about trying different things whilst keeping the menu fresh and healthy. Chef Georgie Tulley has developed a range of healthy spread options and even lunch packs available for those on the run or who fancy enjoying their lunch in the nearby park or at their desk. Packs include a sandwich, salad and sweet treat. Speaking of treats, the cake cabinet is fully stocked with delicious house-made cakes and sweets, while the providore shelf is lined with homemade jams, house blend coffee and even the coffee cups are available for purchase.

From spiced quinoa, pumpkin and chickpea fritters with flatbread, spiced yoghurt, coriander and poached eggs, to baked rhubarb and strawberries rolled in French toast tortillas with orange, mint and a sprinkle of granola, the breakfast selection will satisfy any hungry tummy.

With a warm welcoming atmosphere and innovative menu, we can see Gardiner and Field becoming a new local Armadale favourite.

Gardiner and Field
43 Union Street, Armadale

Hours
Mon to Fri 7am–4pm
Sat & Sun 8am–4pm

gardinerandfield.com