Public transport in Sydney isn't entirely a lost cause - it's inspired a brilliant new cafe. Trainspotting is named after nearby Lewisham railway station and is also part-tribute to the 1996 drug-dazed movie of the same name.

''It's one of my favourite films,'' the chef-owner, Cameron Macpherson, says. He's a veteran of commercial kitchens, having worked at Restaurant Pepper in Balmain, Pier in Rose Bay and Selkirks in Orange.

During the two years spent looking for Trainspotting's site, Macpherson collected second-hand objects to furnish the cafe. So an old railway bench, World War I ammo boxes and heritage doors rescued from a house near Wollongong are some items that add age-worn character to this establishment's interior.

A careful selection process has been applied to the menu, too. Baked eggs ($15), surrounded by haloumi, grilled eggplant, mushrooms and beautifully sweet beans and roasted capsicum, are an excellent way to jump-start the morning. For early risers, there's ''Good Old Bacon and Eggs'', french toast with poached berries and creme fraiche, and ''Eggs Envy'' with basil-feta sauce and spinach.

Lunch picks include a panini with a quadruple dose of cheese: the melting mess of Swiss, goat's, cheddar and bocconcini is so very good. My friend endorses the leg ham roll ($8) with smoked mozzarella, roast tomato, rocket and Dijon mustard. For anyone suffering carb fatigue, there's also a range of autumn salads.

The coffee ($3.50) is by Bills Beans in Orange, where Cameron used to live. The blend is Costa Rican and has a smooth, nutty finish. Organic Fairtrade tea is by the same supplier. Other drinks include hot chocolate and shakes, which undoubtedly fuel the children who drop by from nearby schools. Their drawings decorate Trainspotting's walls and add charm to this small, likeable cafe.

Trainspotting

Address Shop 1, 3 Victoria Street, Lewisham.

Open Mon-Fri, 6.30am-3pm; Sat, 8am-1pm