The Local Press

The Local Press is true to its moniker, having carved a reputation for itself as the neighbourhood go-to for quality coffee and reliable food options.

Owner Alex Ververis opened the cafe in 2012 to add some vibrancy into the small, tightknit community of Lilyfield. These days the sun-drenched space on Balmain Road is a hub of activity, particularly when the Orange Grove markets are in full swing on Saturdays.

The menu changes seasonally and is designed to showcase the best ingredients local suppliers have to offer. Fruit and vegetables are supplied by Galuzzos in Glebe; free-range eggs come from Newlay Farm in the Blue Mountains; and Leichardt’s AC Butchers is responsible for the free-range chicken breast and bacon.

The breakfast burrito with beef brisket is hugely popular. The brisket is cooked in filtered coffee, tomato, chilli and various spices and comes in a toasted tortilla with pilaf rice, egg roulade, cheese and green tomatillo guacamole. For the more health-conscious looking to refuel after doing the nearby Bay Run, the house-baked granola with puffed quinoa and goji berries is a winner.

For coffee, Ververis developed a blend of Colombian, Sumatran and natural washed Ethiopian beans that are roasted by Deluca Specialty. There are also single origins by Batch Brewing and a black espresso blend by Grace and Taylor Coffee Company.