Little Stove

Forget free-range eggs from the supermarket. Little Stove collects eggs from Sizzling (a Pekin Duck and unofficial guard “dog”) and Nugget (a Wyandotte chicken) both of which roam around the owners’ backyard.

The Bicton cafe is designed to feel like you’ve popped into your nanna’s house for a cuppa, right down to the semi-regular crafternoons.

When it’s not using the eggs from the pets, or picking fresh herbs and flowers from the garden, the team sources produce from nearby suppliers, most within walking distance. That includes coffee from small-batch roasters Grouch & Co, honey from Sweetas Honey and dairy from Bannister Downs Milk, plus gifts and art for sale from local creatives.

Though the cafe is large – 40 by 40 metres – it’s anything but imposing, with comfy floral couches and crocheted blankets. No wonder it’s packed, often with the pariahs of the cafe world (babies, dogs, coeliacs) who come in search of the babycinos, doggy biscuits and gluten-free fare.

There’s a sizeable menu, but Little Stove’s regulars most love its unusual drinks, such as the mint hot chocolate or coffee-banana smoothie and the salted-caramel brownie cheesecake, which is baked on-site.