West End Coffee House

The cafe equivalent of the trusty old pair of comfy slippers, West End Coffee House is a favourite chilled hang-out for locals and more importantly one of the few places in the world where brilliant coffee and fantastic Thai food can be found under the same roof.

Scuffed floorboards, roughly painted brick walls, oil paintings in gilt frames, metal chairs recycled from a Scout group and an old Ansett trolley that has found its way in as a water-bearing bench keep things real, while the fantastic Campos keeps everyone awake.

The morning menu is compact, no-fuss, with the home-made touch and toasties to return for. That is, until lunch time, when the menu turns Thai and the best and most authentic street food outside of Thailand is available: think papaya salad or beef salad, pad kapow, chicken or beef larb or vegie stir fry in generous servings.

The menu may have changed since our visit.