Neighbourhood Favourite: Element 6

This is the first in a little series I'm doing on some of my favourite local haunts. I think it's important to make the most of your local surroundings and appreciate what might be right in front of you. Living in Sydney, it's easy to get caught up in the mindset that the only hip and happening places to go are in the inner city or inner western suburbs. Sure, I love hanging out in Surry Hills as much as the next person but I get a little cranky that a lot of people wouldn't dare set foot over the north side of the Harbour Bridge. Since moving to Sydney almost two years ago I have only lived on the north side (three apartments in less than two years!). I now live quite a fair way north so it has forced me to be adventurous and make the most of what's on offer out here in the 'sticks'.

I was really excited to discover that a new little cafe, Element 6, had opened next to West Ryde station. Ben and I decided to check it out this morning and we were very impressed. It's quite a small space and it was pretty packed when we arrived. We thought we might have to wait a little while but luckily a table became free within a few minutes. The decor is very cute, with vintage wooden school chairs, exposed brick walls and hot air balloon paintings on the walls. The staff were very friendly from the get-go, even fixing our wobbly table without being asked. We both ordered coffees which were huge and arrived very quickly. Ben liked his coffee so much he ordered another. I got the vegetarian big breakfast which consisted of two poached eggs on sourdough, mushrooms, a really yummy onion jam, some beans and lentils on the side, a sun dried tomato, corn cake and spinach leaves. Ben had the regular big breakfast which was basically the same as mine but with bacon. We were very pleased and it being just a 10 minute drive from home was an added bonus.

Stay tuned for some more hidden gems in my area and have a happy weekend. xo

All photos taken by me on my iphone 5 using the After Glow app.