Can you see the logo on the upper ledge?
This cute, corner café is located in Lower Cairns Terrace at Paddington, slightly tucked away from the nearby and busy Latrobe Terrace cafe and shopping precinct but has the same flair and commitment as its more visible neighbours.
The first thing I noticed when I pulled up in my car to Swift Espresso was the convenient cafe window at the entrance. This is an easy option for those who are time poor and caffeine needy. Simply wander up and make your order without having to step inside the shop.
The convenient cafe window
If you do have time to sit for a while, Swift has two seating areas. The main cafe is clean and fresh with open windows bench seating to take advantage of the cool breeze which the corner space catches. Clean, freshly painted walls and timber floors finish the look. Curbside dining is not available here but is lined by some large planters with mature plants which make a nice space to stand and enjoy your brew.
While much of the action happens at the front of the café, a small, uncovered courtyard is located at the side with plenty of room to park prams and pooches. The courtyard has a single table and chairs and small garden.
Garden seating in the courtyard
Grab a garden seat
Did you know
Swift Espresso is named after the swift bird (known for being a fast, aerial flyer) and which features on its logo and is perched high above the awning of the building.
[B]What's on the MenuNow for something to eat. The Swift menu is filled with lots of homemade delights, (with favourites such as brekkie wraps, breakfast pies, sourdough toasties, homemade frittata), homemade cakes and slices, banana bread, homemade muesli carefully made by owner, Angela. That sense of individuality is what sets Swift apart from many of its neighbouring cafes. Menu highlights include:
Homemade muesli $7.00
Avo on toast $10.50
Homemade cookies $3.50
Breakfast pies, Photo courtesy Swift Espresso facebook page
My pup also noticed a jar of puppy treats for four-legged visitors and staff were quick to offer him a bowl of water on a hot day.
The Standout
Swift serves up organic free trade coffee "Huli" variety from Q Roasters sustainable espresso at Stafford. Its takeaway cups are bio-degradable and worth keeping featuring original artwork from Gilly and Mac. If you prefer tea, a range of varieties from T4change are on offer including Lemongrass Ginger, Orange Pekoe and Hibiscus.
If you do get the chance to fly by and visit Swift, there is plenty of street parking and a Council bus stops right outside.
