Feast your way through Mayfield
Newcastle’s food scene is thriving, and Mayfield is no exception.
From the hip east side to the eclectic west, foodies are spoilt for choice at any time of the day in this popular inner-city suburb. Come with us as we take a culinary journey along Mayfield’s Maitland Road, and be ready to be wowed by the delicious range of eateries that will satisfy all your cravings from dawn ‘til dusk – and into the night.
If it’s loaded toasties and creamy coffee you’re after, PERRY THE FEEDER is where it’s at. Food vans are back in a big way, and Perry the Feeder is just that – a cute little food van in a sunny courtyard. The unique café is part of Muster Point Collective just off Maitland Road where you will find a creative bunch of businesses including a hair salon, beautician and more. Perry the Feeder is the perfect location for a coffee and a bite to eat, best enjoyed on a sunny day when you have time to relax and watch the world go by. The loaded toasties are to die for, and the good news is that Perry the Feeder now has a second location at The Station in Newcastle so you can get your fix more often than not.
Lovers of all things vintage will go wild for VINCENT’S AT THE COLISEUM, a cute and cosy café housed in an iconic heritage-listed building on Maitland Road. The Coliseum was built in 1921 and beautifully restored in 2002. From the stain glass windows to the floorboards and the honey pine shelving, many original features have been retained. The café features a fresh seasonal menu using produce from local growers and their very own kitchen garden out the back.
Pop in for the all-day breakfast – it’s the perfect way to fuel up before heading to the antiques center next door to hunt for a bargain amongst their 26 stall holders. Sounds like the perfect weekend activity to us!
Venture further west along Maitland Road and you’ll find ZAAKI ESPRESSO, a small but sweet café right next door to Mayfield West Charcoal Chicken and Kebabs. If you are looking for a menu that’s a little different, Zaaki is well worth a visit. Here you will find Middle Eastern food and amazing homemade sweets. Enjoy the all-day breakfast menu featuring Jordanian fried eggs or shakshuka, or pop in at lunch time for a falafel snack pack or burger. Recent renovations have been underway to make the kitchen bigger, which means more delicious food for us. Don’t forget to pick up a Baklava cheesecake while you’re there – we really mean it when we say you haven’t lived until you’ve tried it!
Make your way across the rail bridge from Islington to Mayfield East and you will spy Equium Social on the right, although we’re sure this little Mayfield gem needs no introduction! The popular café sits on a corner of Maitland Road and offers outdoor seating and easy parking – but it’s what’s inside that has the crowds lining up every weekend. With a cool industrial vibe and alternative menu, Equium Social will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a hip Melbourne café. While the menu doesn’t offer up your standard breaky items like bacon and eggs, it does feature a range of simple and wholesome food that is complemented by the most delicious coffee. The menu changes regularly so there’s always an excuse to keep coming back for more.
If you’re more about those cosy pub vibes, then you’re in luck. The Stag & Hunter is not only Mayfield’s premier live music venue, but a gorgeous old pub serving up some of the best food around. Live music is on regularly in the front bar and the jam-packed gig guide features some of the best local tunes in town. Take a seat in the cosy dining room at the front of the grand building or settle in the back bar for a casual feed between games of pool. The pub also hosts regular trivia and comedy nights so if you’re looking for a bit of entertainment with your feed, The Stag is where it’s at.
The Bhakti Tree is a popular vegetarian vegan restaurant located in a small set of shops along Maitland Road at Mayfield West. Centred around a friendly and caring community, the one-of-a-kind restaurant is well worth a visit next time you’re in the neighbourhood. Pop in for a buffet dinner featuring delicious and exotic south Indian dishes and stay for one of the special and unique events. The restaurant regularly hosts informative talks such as the ‘meet the guru program’. Here you will also find a regular yoga and dinner offering on a Tuesday night – bookings are essential!
Complete with a sunny courtyard perfect for families with little ones or four legged friends, Onyx Espresso Bar is a popular Mayfield haunt keeping hungry locals happy and caffeinated. Located just down the road from The Stag & Hunter, the cosy space is friendly and inviting with a menu that has something for everyone. Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, lunch, or even just a quick coffee fix, you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer. Choose from fresh bagels from Papas Bagel Bar, the popular Açai Bowl, or take advantage of the regular $10 weekly specials such as pizza, wraps or salads. Oh, and did we mention they do freakshakes? Better get there quick smart – the kids will love you for it.
Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Mayfield you will find Side Pocket Espresso, a haven away from the hustle and bustle of Maitland Road. The cute and welcoming cafe serves up beautifully poured single origin coffee and a simple menu featuring seasonal and delicious food. Menu staples include porridge with house made granola and fruits, or the ever-popular cinnamon scrolls that make for a roaring trade on Fridays. Pop in on a sunny day and take advantage of the outdoor seating – it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy your daily vice. It’s also the perfect spot to grab a coffee on the go, and you can even order ahead using the app Bopple. While you’re there don’t forget to check out their great range of take-home goodies.
Read more about Mayfield in our Spring Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.
Story by Rebekah Prendergast, photography courtesy of featured businesses.
