my husband starts recording his debut album tomorrow and today is his last day of preparation, so i thought it might be a good idea to give him a bit of space and headed out solo for a drive down the bay, a walk in the sun and a relaxed breakfast… i even sat down to read the paper (a rare but much enjoyed achievement). it’s a good thing i love my “me” time!

i’ve been intrigued with the reviews i’d read about the brighton schoolhouse so decided to pull off of the beach road and into this cute little neighbourhood street to see what it was all about. the outdoor dining area, especially on a sunny day, is just gorgeous – surrounded by beautiful trees, accompanied by a kids playground (i can imagine families and mums loving this aspect), and set against the stunning 1840’s converted schoolhouse backdrop. inside is just as exciting – high vaulted ceilings, wall murals, old school benches + a gorgeous set of old scales catch my eye.

the menu is a continuation of the cafe’s theme: including a school song, fresh smoothies + juices under the heading “nurses’s office” + the quirky inclusion of a “piano lesson with lucy” for $80. thankfully i live with a pianist so no need for this one! schoolhouse’s food philosophy is one of seasonable, sustainable, ethical + organic produce… as such, i have a feeling the menu changes regularly. i’d seen photos online of some delicious looking pancakes, but alas there were none on the menu today. an excuse to come back another time! the coffee is unique to schoolhouse, designed in conjunction with st ali, and is delicious – strong, robust and well-balanced.

scrambled eggs + bacon. eggs were creamy + fluffy. bacon was perfectly grilled + of exceptional quality.

ryan gosling fruit salad with mandarin, orange, grapefruit + pamelo, yoghurt panacotta + almonds.
what this fruit salad has to do with ryan gosling i’m not sure…. but regardless this was delish! fresh, citrusy orange + grapefruit was perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the mandarin… and that yoghurt panacotta… omg – delicious! this was seriously yummy!

staff were really friendly and service was efficient + timely. i had plenty of space to spread out + enjoy my coffee + newspaper, and didn’t feel rushed or hurried at all. there was also something calming about watching the sunshine stream through the tall glass cathedral windows – and i left feeling relaxed + the perfect kind of sunday-lazy. very enjoyable.

verdict: top marks!
find: www.brightonschoolhouse.com.au/