Coffee with a Twist at The Barn

The Barn:     Princes Highway Kalimna West. (part of R.E.A.L. Garden Centre)  

Breakfast:  Wednesday to Sunday 8am onwards:  

Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday 12 noon til 2pm 

Bookings & Enquiries   0438 018 625; Licensed venue:

The Barn Cafe

Location:  The Barn is a purpose built barn like structure housing both inside, protected outside, and open air seating, overlooking the spacious paddocks next door. Tranquil, quiet, comfortable and easy access for all, through the garden centre. No stairs, no steps, a gravel car park, paved or concrete pathways provide great accessibility. Seating is comfortable and varied in style dependent on where you sit. Orders/ service are from the inside counter and meals/drinks served to your table.  All accessible washrooms are located towards the rear of the covered open air area which were clean and well equipped.

Entry from Garden Centre

Menu:  Café style food including most of the usual favourites, and a kids menu to keep them happy too.  A range of homemade pies and sausage rolls, takeaway or eat in with chips and salad, and a homemade sauce.  Varied specials especially on Fridays, with old favourites including local battered fish n chips,  home made soups, toasted focaccias or sandwiches made to order. That’s about the strength of it, a well- rounded varied menu suitable to the style of the Café.

Experience:  I have been at least a weekly regular here during the winter, but today was a little different. Coffee here is good, and now with some international influences, (try the Russian Coffee), a new Barrista, who makes a really good long black. It had a thick almost creamy crema which made my morning heart starter taste smooth and almost sweet. The coffee was strong as a long black should be yet not bitter or burnt. Now for the twist....

"Barn Toast"

Toast yes Toast, but with a difference.. I am not going to reveal all the secrets of this little gem,  just go and try some for yourself. Sweet, light, a little crispy on the edges, packed full of nutrition and a fair few calories as well. Great for a winter morning brekky or mid morning tea.(well coffee really). Now here is where it gets interesting, what is in it, how is it cooked?Slices of bread with a light coating (I am sworn to secrecy) and filled with a nutty type spread and butter. This is cooked ( its a secret how), until the edges are a little crispy, then served on a plate and topped with butter and maple syrup. Forget your pancakes, forget your Vegemite,... Marmalade pfft...you have to try this, especially if you have a sweet tooth, like me.
The Barn have a name for this little slice of gastronomic extravagance, but I will call it "Barn Brekky" or simply "Barn Toast"  I am sure you will enjoy, and if you are really wanting a calorific calamity have some ice cream or fruit  (fruit is the healthy bit ) on top. I will stop there before I go back for another slice.

Enjoy the sun or dine inside

 Summary:  Just out of Lakes Entrance and within a garden centre you can relax here with country views . This concept of combining a food venue with garden centre is very popular and successful in UK and should catch on here. The Barn can cater for groups but bookings would be essential.  Ideal for a bit of quiet time, but if you have a garden crazy partner, or need new pots and/or garden ornaments..... hide the plastic!! 

Relax and enjoy the view