Kew's Much-Loved Cafe Ora Has Doubled in Size and Now Transforms Into a Wine Bar at Night

Ora has been a hotspot for coffee and brunch lovers in Kew for quite some years now. Most days, locals fight over the few seats inside and out in the garden to score some of the best brekkie in the area — often waiting quite a while to get a spot.

It's clear that Ora outgrew its small site a while ago. But instead of having to relocate, the team was given the opportunity to knock down a wall and take over the space next door. Thankfully, they took the leap and expanded the cafe, so it now holds up to 40 people inside and out.

While they were at it, they also redesigned the whole cafe to have a more contemporary and high-end feel, and chose to extend the opening hours from Wednesday to Saturday. It's all change at Ora.

Now instead of being kicked out after lunch service, locals can stick around for some wines and share plates late into the night.

Head Chef Adam Hutchings (ex-Soho House) has dreamt up the new evening menu, cooking up a broad-reaching selection of dishes that include crispy whitebait with yuzu mayo, pea and preserved lemon arancini, 12-hour barbecue beef brisket and king prawn skewers paired with chimichurri.

Manager Alex Damoulakis has curated a list of wines from local and international makers and picked a few classic Med-inspired cocktails to serve at night — or during a boozy brunch.

The area's food and drink scene is truly booming right now. Recently, Studley Park Boathouse, Mister Bianco, Skinny Dog and The Clifton Hotel have all had makeovers and expansions. Ora is but the latest to join the club.

You'll find the newly renovated Ora at 156 Pakington Street, Kew, operating from 7am–2pm on Tuesdays, 7am–late Wednesday–Friday, 8am–late on Saturdays and 8am–2pm on Sundays. You can find more details at the venue's website.