Social Brew, Pyrmont – Rating: 19.5/25

When a café changes owners, name and identity, it can be a tough job to build a reputation and customer base. Judging by the swarm of customers that I watched gather by mid-morning on a Sunday, Social Brew has managed to achieve these goals in the short amount of time that they have been open. The establishment is on a corner and makes good, sprawling use of the shady location.

The dining room is large and there are numerous outdoor tables but despite this, there was a consistent queue of hungry patrons waiting for a table. SB is a child and dog friendly café with plenty of space between tables and some very patient and friendly staff. While the service was fast and furious, they always endeavored to ensure that my guests and I were well taken care of.

Flat white

Chilled espresso

With Allpress on the case, you know you’re always in for a decent cup. SB didn’t disappoint as their coffee ($3.50) really offered up the strong tones that Allpress is known for. The chilled espresso ($5.50) consists of a double shot of Carmelo blend espresso with iced Jersey milk. My guest asked for a half serving (instead of the tall glass) and to SB’s credit, they were more than happy to oblige.

Five berries smoothie

Salted caramel milkshake

Their smoothies and shakes ($6 each) are also satisfying with rich, thick ingredients that are sure to put a smile on your face. My five berries smoothie had a bit more yoghurt than I would have liked but that’s just me being critical; it was definitely at the front of the pack of many smoothies that I sample. Milkshakes are offered as peanut butter, choc hazelnut or salted caramel. My friend’s salted caramel offered the promised hit of caramel throughout and it was nice and thick too.

Apple cider eggs Benedict

Served on soft, melt in your mouth brioche, the apple cider eggs Benedict ($16) is a unique and well-comprised rendition of this ubiquitous dish. It comes served with wilted spinach and either bacon or Black Forest ham. The hollandaise had a suitably thick consistency. Overall a substantial and well balanced dish.

Ham and cheese melt

The simple ham and cheese gets a makeover. The ham and cheese melt ($10) came layered with double smoked Black Forest ham and mountains of melted vintage cheddar and Emmental. Served on beer and barley sourdough, this is one quick snack worth slowing down for.

The Brew brekkie board

I sampled The Brew Brekkie Board ($15) which is a cold board with some ingredients that really work together such as avocado, tomato, marinated feta and sliced prosciutto. The boiled egg was still warm and slightly soft in the centre so I could still let it run over the avo and toast; delicious! The housemade herb pesto brought most of these items together superbly. It’s a fresh-tasting board for those who like to put their breakfast together at their own pace. There’s also a swathe of sides that you could add such as roast mushrooms ($3.50), hash brown ($3.50) or spiced beef sausage ($4.50).

Some other breakfast items on the menu include muesli of burnt fig, cinnamon & almond, natural yoghurt and seasonal fruit ($11), The Social Brekkie Roll (free range fried egg, crispy bacon, aged cheddar & tomato chutney on a brioche bun, $9) and caramelised brioche with roasted banana, ricotta & salted caramel ($14.50).

So yes, as you can see Social Brew knows what they’re doing with their food and drink which is refreshing to find in the Pyrmont. The locals agree so I can only suggest that you drop in early to grab a spot.

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