"Town Bike has a double meaning, I know, but we kinda like that," says co-owner John Azzi with a twinkle in his eye. Together with friend Graham Rowe, the two have created the Town Bike Pitstop, combining coffees with bicycle know-how.
The idea came from a shared love of commuter cycling that flourished during their stay in Amsterdam where they were former flatmates. Out the front is the cafe, serving coffee and a concise blackboard menu of breakfasts, sandwiches and snacks. Down the back is the Grease Monkey bicycle repair shop, a partnership with Nathanel Dyon who they found via a mutual friend in Amsterdam.
Bikes for sale and the Redfern Bike Depot at the back
It would be easy to dismiss the Town Bike as 'yet another hipster hangout' (even if they were recently featured in the New York Times) but there's a real sense of heart about a place that earnestly aims to be a part of the wider community. At the rear of the shop is the Redfern Bike Depot where cyclists can pump their tyres and use a dedicated workbench and tools to maintain and fix their bikes for free. They've even provided little packets of cleanser and cloths for de-greasing hands afterwards.
Nathanael Dyon in the Grease Monkey bike repair shop at the back
And as a recent cycling convert (noone picked that one!), it's hard not to appreciate the ease of accessory shopping with a lazy lunch. "You can get your bike fixed and your caffeine fix all in one!" proclaims John with a theatrical wave of his arm.
Original tiles from the original butchery
Most endearing of all is the original tilework, uncovered from its former life as a butchery established in the 1890s.
John Azzi, co-owner of the Town Bike Pitstop
The menu is short and sweet but well considered given the limitations of the rudimentary kitchen available.
Town Bike Pitstop blackboard menu
The breads are by Sonoma, croissants are from Brasserie Bread and the coffee beans are roasted by Di Gabriel.
Flat white and latte coffees with Di Gabriel beans
Roast chicken, tomato and dill may with gherkin $9
There are three sandwiches on the menu today: roast beef, ham with Swiss or roast chicken. The meat pies and egg and bacon rolls on Turkish are all popular, and it takes some willpower to resist the offer of French toast with bacon ($9).
Dutch brekkie ei ham and kas $11.50
Eggs, ham and cheese
I opt for the Dutch breakfast instead, one of John's favourite things to eat in Amsterdam he confesses.
Like a cheesy frittata
The Dutch breakfast is a blistering hot serve of baked cheesy egg mixed through with surprise pockets of free range ham. It's fluffy, salty and rich, reminding me of a cheesy frittata or a double-baked souffle. An alternative version with smoked salmon is also available. Two thick slices of toast slathered with butter will tide you over until dinner.
Quirky but functional with friendly service. Get on your bike and get down there.
Giant chocolate chip cookies
Bikes in the window, including Early Rider bikes for kids
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Town Bike Pitstop
156 Abercrombie Street, Redern, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9699 0096
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 7am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Grease Monkey Bicycles
156 Abercrombie Street, Redern, Sydney
Tel: 0468 514 007
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm
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Those eggs sound delicious! What a fun name for a cute cafe!
ReplyDeleteLove the decor and vibe of this place and mannnnn, give me some of that Dutch goodness!
ReplyDeleteThe name and decor of this place sure go hand in hand. It's one of those quirky things that can only be seen towards the city. I'd have me some of that dutch brekkie anyday.
ReplyDeleteDutch breakfast looks great! :) Nice decor as well. Another great place in Redfern to try, haha :)
ReplyDeleteI've walked pass this place once and have been meaning to try it for some time. I'm glad you got to it first because now I really want to get myself there! What a cool place. And wow, look at that Dutch breakfast!
ReplyDeleteI've walked pass this place once and have been meaning to try it for some time. I'm glad you got to it first because now I really want to get myself there! What a cool place. And wow, look at that Dutch breakfast!
ReplyDeletewhat a cool find! love the look of that Dutch breakfast, cheese, eggs and ham mmm..
ReplyDeleteI doubt that I can resist French toast with bacon! lol I'll have it as a side to that Dutch brekkie!
ReplyDeleteWOW this place looks fab! i love the look and sound of Dutch breakfast!
ReplyDeleteawesome! let's go cycling and then go eat eat! :D
ReplyDeleteI want a "funky pie"!
Looks simple and straight forward, all you want for a quick bite
ReplyDeleteOooh, I like the sound of this cafe (as a recent bike convert too - though your bike sounds WAY better than my 6 speed hill-puffing number). The baked eggs look FANTASTIC...
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool little cafe. I take it you rode your bike there? :)
ReplyDeleteSo many cafes, so little time. We need to work out how to fit more than 3 meals into a day! The Dutch breakfast sound like proper comfort/hangover food. Must drop by some time soon! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy friends live down the road from here so I know the coffee quite well and I remember John to be such a lovely and friend guy. I am really keen to try that Dutch Breakfast!
ReplyDeletemmmm such an interesting concept...
ReplyDeleteThis is where I get my bike serviced! Nathanael is super nice, get your bike there now. :-)
ReplyDelete