Hidden in the heart of Sydney’s Hills suburbs lies The Tuckshop, Glenhaven – a hip little cafe serving single origin coffee, green smoothies, fresh juice, kick-ass burgers, delicious salads and with a perfect little picnic spot and playground for kids.
Set up next to a barber shop in the corner of the bottom floor of a mini shopping complex, it’s an unassuming eatery that I would have easily driven past and dismissed dozens of times were it not for the girlfriend who suggested it as our lunch venue this week.
It’s the perfect meeting spot for a coffee or lunch date – there’s space for strollers to maneovre through the outdoor seating and, failing a seat within the cafe itself, space to set up a picnic at the playground right outside.
The grass area, which is steps away, is next to a football oval and playground so The Tuckshop has become a regular venue for mothers groups or parents (like me and my friend) who simply want a bite to eat in peace, while their toddlers burn energy playing in the sun.
The menu is what the owners – Nathan Hindmarsh and the team behind The Baron – consider a “contemporary, classic (healthy even) take on the traditional ‘tuck shop’.” The name conjurs up fond memories of sausage rolls and super doopers, but instead of junk you get a choice from all-day breakfast dishes ($6-$14), burgers ($13-$15), soup and salad ($9-$14), and a decent selection of hot and cold drinks – from missala chai to milkshakes and fresh pressed juice.
Though they’re best known for their burgers I opted for the chicken salad and green smoothie for lunch today, which we ate at the playground. I wasn’t disappointed!
Because lunch stretched out for about 3 hours I ducked in before leaving to pick up their juice of the day and a serve of carrot cake from the treats tray, where there were also home made brownies and a range of decadent cupcakes on display.
All in all, I’m really happy to have discovered this gem in the middle of the suburbs; I imagine it’d be busy during the weekend. With great food on offer next to a ton of space for the kids to play, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit!
Cost:$$
Cuisine: Dine-in or take-away all-day breakfast, burgers, salads, coffee
Kid’s menu: Yes
Kid-friendly: Yes