The Premises

Overview

A destination for nearby residents and locals of the inner-west, The Premises is just as much of a fixture in Kensington as the leafy trees that line the streets. The eco-decor is carried on inside too, with a palette of timber and earthy green and flower arrangements atop tables. Of course, you can sit outside too (if you don't mind the rattling of trains across the street), but it's inside where you'll be doused in the smell of coffee and everyone else's meals.

While the cafe space is quite large, its dual room design creates intimacy no matter where you sit. With two entrances, the two rooms of The Premises have now been extended to three, with Premises Jnr now occupying 200 Bellair Street — a space solely devoted to takeaway coffee and a colourful collection of cupcakes, breakfast cookies, bagels, ready-made sandwiches and even pantry supplies. It's a good thing too, because the bustling nature of the place — particularly on weekends — meant that the takeaway line could fill most of the floorspace in busy periods. It is some of the best coffee in the west, after all.

This coveted coffee is a signature blend, created especially for The Premises by Seven Seeds ($3.50-4.80), which sits alongside their single origin espresso ($4) and pour over coffee ($5). With tea by Tea Corporation and an extraordinary hot chocolate by Mork there is a lot to choose from, but it's overleaf that the decisions become hard.

With no distinction between breakfast and lunch, there are no limitations on what you can order and when — meaning you're free to indulge in the Bircher muesli with rhubarb, honey, lemon yoghurt and flaked almonds ($9.50) or the apple crumble French toast ($16) at any time of the day. For eggs, try 'The Premises Eggs' (two poached eggs with green olive tapenade, Persian feta & a zucchini salad on toast; $17) and the standout for home cooked heartiness is the Moroccan spiced beans with goats chevre, green harissa & ciabatta with chorizo ($17.50). The slow roasted pulled pork ($19) and hot salt beef roll ($15.50) are also favourites amongst patrons.

Whether you're a Kensington local or reside on the other side of the city, The Premises is well worth the trip out west. With it being just an easy two stops from CBD or a tree-lined bike ride away, the only problem you'll have is trying to decide on what to order off the menu.