Short Straw

Short Straw’s two-room design, by young designer CJ Wright from KNOW SHOW Studio (ex-Techne Architecture), is heavy on American oak and skylights, with metalwork touches by I Am Not Mason’s Jason Blake. It’s airy and active, with discrete zones to hide out or hang with a group in.

The menu that aims for broad appeal. The Early Board covers all bases, with its tiny Bircher muesli, a fan of avocado, swirl of crisp pancetta and some soldiers and egg. Vegetarians might be moved by a handsome asparagus, poached egg, roast tomato, zucchini and feta arrangement. Those throwing caution to the wind can order the Classic Burger with Victorian beef, pickle, cos, tomato, mustard, mayo and Monterey Jack on a brioche bun, served with a side of potato gems dusted with ancho salt (made from a kind of chilli).

It is anklebiter-accessible. Pancakes with maple syrup and berries are a good bet, as is egg and bacon on toast. The coffee takes things back to basics. A darker Niccolo blend is intended for milky coffee, and there’s a rotating single origin, too.