Leura (a suburb in the Blue Mountains) is located approximately 100 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. At a mere 1.5 hours drive from Sydney, or 2 hours by train (a return journey that will set you back a mere $12), it becomes the centre of business for those looking to escape the city. I went on a recent weekend getaway with dreams of isolated mountainside only to discover swarms of like-minded city-folk with equal enthusiasm for taking in the country air.
The Culinary Backstreets of Leura Mall
Leura Mall is the name of the main business street, which transects the Great Western Highway near the train station and sprawls southward as rows and arcades of franchises and local businesses. Lily's Pad Cafe sits in a lovely patch of garden behind the mall on the parallel street.
Lily's Pad Cafe in Leura prides itself as a local cafe opened by born and bred locals. We arrived early as a party of 6 for a quick breakfast before hitting up our heavily curated list of Blue Mtns tourist traps. This place is popular enough that had we arrived after 9:30 there would have been no available table for our large party.
I have previously stated the single proven strategy for minimising wait-time at any popular brunch establishment is to arrive early. In Leura - you can also book ahead!
Up the Garden Path
Lily's Cafe shares it's front entrance with an apothecary, a short walk up the path from the street.
The brown and white weatherboard inside wall is reminiscent of the historical area. This contrasts with the outer wall of glass which brings the garden inside.
We were waved inside and cheerfully sat by the floor to ceiling window as long as we promised to be out by 10am - as the table already had other plans for the day.
Good Ol' Faithful Brekky
As much as I love cafes that are pushing the envelope on the breakfast sphere, I am also a lover of classics done well. I am not sure that I am yet of the age where I can decry the passage of time and lay due claim on the "good old days" ... but this place has the type of menu that reminds me what breakfast with friends used to be - eggs, pancakes, a "big breakfast" and a few unique extras here and there. You can check out the latest menu using this
link.
The six of us ordered and received the food (it feels) almost as soon as the order was put through. I was completely taken aback by the speed of service. I can also happily say that the speed did not affect quality.
The avocado on toast was generous and well seasoned with a runny poached egg.
I also took an opportunity to try a bit of pancake, and these were some of the fluffiest that I have ever had.
Next time you're in town, give this place a try!
