WEEKEND WRAP // coffee and beer

I do love the outdoors and getting back to nature on the weekends, but sometimes it's lovely to just wander around those hidden gems in the suburbs. Last weekend I found myself browsing through books while enjoying my coffee in a dark terrace house. These are common in Paddington but this one has been transformed into a three level cafe and second hand bookstore. Cosy rooms filled with vintage furniture and jammed with books in every possible corner. A perfect start to the morning...

After visiting a few more bookstores it was eventually time for lunch and in true Australian fashion the pub was the location. Years ago many old pubs were being stripped of their character and refurbished in a sterile and modern style that just didn't work (well for me anyway). Lately I have seen many pubs transformed to reflect the history of the building but still have a current and fresh feel. Maybe this natural and honest approach is why it's so easy to hang around in the garden courtyard for so long!