Chef Marie Robertson is a familiar face around Adelaide – she’s worked in some of the city’s most popular cafes, such as Pickle in the Middle, The Loose Caboose, Market Shed on Holland and Crack Kitchen. Then in May 2018 she launched her own cafe: Two Sparrows in Forestville.

The space doubles as a community hub for cheesemaking, sourdough bread baking, and pickling and fermented food workshops. Robertson is also a student of health science and nutrition. She co-owns the cafe with Pilates instructor Irene Pearson who brings health and fitness knowledge to the store and cafe.

The pair gutted the Leader Street premises – previously a dinky old deli – and did a total refit. The result is a kitsch and cosy space filled with indoor plants and paintings by local artists.

The brunch menu is largely plant based with a selection of fermented condiments and pickled side dishes. You’ll find the standard eggs and smashed avocado, but you’ll also find twice-baked brioche French toast with chocolate mascarpone, strawberries and caramelised pear. And buckwheat pancakes with house-made kimchi, fried egg, sesame and a fragrant Asian salad.

Locally sourced produce includes Fleurieu milk, free-range eggs from pasture-raised hens at Hood’s Earth Eggs, and cheesecakes from The Rolling Pin Bakery and Patisserie. Coffee beans are from Caffiend Coffee Company in Hahndorf.