Richmond, on Sydney's north-western edge, has the feel of a country town. There's the one main street, the manicured football oval, clutches of bored youths outside the chicken shop and the sense that everything seems slower, stiller.

The Bank Bazaar is the sort of place that simultaneously fits right in and stands out like a sore thumb.

Many country towns have a curios or homewares shop (see also ''shoppe'') that serves posh coffee and cakes to visitors. Since this one opened at Easter the locals have started coming, according to the girl behind the counter. The other thing to arrive at the Bank Bazaar, housed in a lovely old restored former bank, is Christmas.

An enormous festive tree stands in the middle of the room, carols play and huge white plush reindeer stand politely in the corner.

Elsewhere, it's a magpie's nest filled everything from the truly ghastly (glass swans and feathered ceramic birds that are likely to induce nightmares) to the very charming (duck walking sticks, fine china teacups, model planes and vintage-style globes).

Outside at the back is a seating area complete with a huge Greek god-like water feature. Inside, the high ceilings give the oddities a sense of grandiosity.

The unfussy fare includes lasagnes, pies and Turkish toasties. The roast vegetable and spinach frittata ($12) is wholesome and filling if a little bland, livened a little by a blob of chutney on the side.

The coffee ($3.50) is good, strong and smooth and for $8 you can get a slice of carrot cake or lemon and lime pie with it.

Also on the menu are proper hot chocolates and chai lattes.

I choose a piece of Merelyn's buttery home-made shortbread for sweets.

Alongside the good coffee and sitting next to a cheerful ceramic parrot, it's a happy little taste of Christmas.

The Bank Bazaar

Address: 290 Windsor Street, Richmond, 4588 6951, bankbazaar.com.au Open: Mon-Fri, 9.30am- 5pm; Sat, 9.30am-4pm; Sun, 10am-4pm