Cafe Review: Clayfield locals lucky to have this tiny cafe in their neighbourhood

Terrific service – something that is becoming increasingly hard to find in this age of skills shortages within the hospitality industry – is what sets this tiny, no-frills cafe-cum-bakery apart. But do the locals know what a good thing they have going here?

Anooska Tucker-Evans

2 min read

October 25, 2019 - 2:00PM

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“I’LL just have a flat white,” said a well-dressed, real estate agent-looking bloke to the barista at the recently opened Bake Haus Cafe in Clayfield, in Brisbane’s inner north.

“I know, here you go, that’ll be $4.20,” she replied, handing him the coffee.

While the man had been pacing out the front of the eatery talking on his phone, the young girl had recognised him as a repeat customer and made his coffee before he had even ordered it.

“Wow. Thank you. That’s amazing,” said the guy.

What it was, was terrific service – something that is becoming increasingly hard to find in this age of skills shortages within the hospitality industry.

But that’s what sets this tiny, no-frills cafe-cum-bakery apart.

The thoughtful, diligent service is what sets this tiny, no-frills cafe-cum-bakery apart. Picture: Mark Cranitch

There are no on-trend dishes like fruit sashimi, poke bowls or breakfast carbonara on the menu, just honest, classic fare such as eggs Benedict, pancakes with maple syrup and butter, and a continental breakfast delivered by staff that is genuinely kind, personable and willing to go the extra mile to ensure customers are happy and feel taken care of.

Boosting the traditional menu, however, is that the cafe also offers a feast of pre-made options such as sausage rolls, pies, quiches, sandwiches, wraps, croissants, and then sweet treats, like slices, pastries and cakes - with many gluten-free. These are provided by either King of Cakes, which used to hold the tenancy, or local business OMG It’s Gluten Free.

Bake Haus Cafe’s the ham, cheese and tomato omelette is an absolute winner. Picture: Mark Cranitch

An absolute winner on the breakfast menu is the colossal ham, cheese and tomato omelette ($16). Layered between two slices of either toasted dark rye or sourdough, the egg mix is fluffier than a Pomeranian and cheesier than National Lampoon’s Vacation, loaded with strips of ham and circled by blistered cherry tomatoes and baby spinach leaves.

While the house-made granola ($13) is a lovely not-too-sweet mix of cinnamon-dusted oats with goji berries, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas and currants waterfalling between waves of thick, Greek yoghurt and tart fresh passionfruit.

Coffee is from Fortitude Coffee Roasters and has interesting floral notes, while there is also a range of healthy smoothies inspired by the neighbouring 12RND Fitness boxing gym.

The house-made granola is a lovely mix of cinnamon-dusted oats with goji berries, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas and currants between waves of thick, Greek yoghurt and tart fresh passionfruit. Picture: Mark Cranitch

As well as service, what Bake Haus excels at is offering value for money. Yes, the fit-out is basic, with just a few tables outside opening onto a carpark, and French-style rattan chairs inside alongside the cabinets of cakes, but with dishes costing an average of $4-$5 less than other cafes, it’s worth sacrificing the lack of ambience.

Bake Haus Cafe is a great, little local cafe and one the residents of Clayfield and surrounding suburbs should feel lucky to have in their neighbourhood.