With its antique charms, vintage knick-knacks and comfortable couches, I'm surprised more people haven't discovered Bee's Knees Café; perhaps because it is tucked away behind Hornsby Inn on the "old side" of Hornsby. The cosy vintage shop/café hybrid is packed with lamps, scrabble board games, old books, jewellery and vintage garments – and that's just to name a few.
Cabinets are full of antique knick-knacks and the walls busy with trees, butterflies, flowers and other cheerful prints – it's all a little overbearing upon first glance, yet the café's quirky interior has a charming appeal that keeps me and my mates coming back. Everything you lay your eyes on is for sale – whether it be the cute vintage cushions you settle into, or the homely white cane table you lay your coffee onto.
Apart from the main café, there is also a cosy back room and a cluttered courtyard, also – you guessed it – decked with interesting vintage pieces.
Enough about the vintage items – what about the food? Bee's Knees has a whole range of baked goodies on offer – slices, cookies, scones, banana bread, friands, toast and waffles. My favourite would have to be the scones, which come with butter, jam and cream! A decent assortment of coffee and tea is available, including a range of chai lattes, with spiced and chocolate flavours. The café is also suitable for lunch, with sandwiches, pies, salad and quiche available.
Bee's Knees Café is a great place to meet friends for a coffee or meal – with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, personable staff and funky furniture for sale, it really is a pleasant spot to stumble across when in need to relax and recharge at the end of a chaotic week.
Word of advice though - you should probably bear in mind the risk that afternoon tea could easily turn into a shopping spree.
