Bakery a bright spot in Woodstock

Café: New Brighton Bakery. Address: 104 Victoria Road, Woodstock Phone: 021 448 1513 Hours: 7am - 3.30pm Monday - Friday, 7am, 12.30pm Saturday Dish Eaten: Scrambled eggs with chicken and mushroom Price: R55

ATIYYAH KHAN

THE NEW Brighton Bakery is hard to miss with its bright orange walls standing out on the corner of Queens and Victoria roads in Woodstock. The bakery has been around for two years, but is quickly gaining popularity as a stop for fresh food. It has also recently extended its space to accommodate more clients.

Laid out with wooden tables and chairs, the décor is elegant and simple. Jazz posters of local heroes line the walls and there are books and magazines to read.

The menu for breakfast and lunch is on chalkboards spread across the bakery.

Breakfasts are a speciality with freshly baked bread served with meals.

The menu is small, but offers the full range of regular breakfasts including freshly baked croissants, poached eggs and fruit salads.

For breakfast, the scrambled eggs with mushroom and chicken I sampled is a winner (R55) – the eggs softly scrambled, topped with creamy sautéed mushrooms and smoked chicken slivers served in a sizeable portion.

All food is well presented, served on wooden boards and a garnish of salad.

Freshly squeezed juices are a highlight with any combination of orange, pineapple, carrot and apple for R30 each. The apple, mint and pear juice is particularly refreshing.

The coffee is delicious and free trade with Americanos starting at R18, served in beautifully crafted handle-free ceramic cups.

A fresh lunch menu is created daily, but regular items include gourmet sandwiches and home-made style chicken and steak pies.

Being relevant to their location and the surrounding community. the entire menu is halaal.

If you’re still left hungry after the hearty breakfast, there are sweet treats from the bakery daily in the form of brownies, muffins, carrot cake, Amsterdammers and shortbread.

Unfortunately, the bakery was shortstaffed on the day – the only displeasing experience was a long wait for food.

YUM: Scrambled eggs with chicken and mushroom.