The Grounds-Inspired Flower Child Cafe Opens in Warringah

The Grounds of Alexandria-inspired Flower Child Café has been open in Chatswood, inside Westfield, for just over a year and the team has already expanded to a second location at Westfield Warringah. Co-founders Chris Lu (Bondi Hardware, Happy as Larry Pizza Truck) and Adam Choker (ex-manager at The Grounds of Alexandria) are taking their same philosophy and holistic approach to the northern beaches, this time with a venue that doesn't just seem outdoors, but actually is.

While Flower Child Chatswood acts as a indoor garden that naturalises an otherwise typical shopping mall, Flower Child Warringah is actually located outdoors. The large windows allow for a flood of sunlight into the restaurant, which sits in the open mall's ground floor courtyard. The space was again design by ACME & Co (The Grounds, Archie Rose, Fred's, Charlie Parker's) and features an open plan kitchen, whitewash timber, custom tiles, and a colourful, floral-textured interior, all of which are meant to give the venue a "beachy and tropical" feel that acts as a nod to their northern beaches location. The freestanding circular structure is surrounded by a sprawling water feature that encompasses the venue and is accompanied by planter boxes which will be used to grow a variety of tropical plant species.

Like the Chatswood venue, the all-day menu will focus on breakfast, brunch and lunch, including favourite dishes from the original location —like ex-Merivale chef Nik Jovicki's French toast with banana mascarpone, dark chocolate crumb, fresh berries and salted toffee — as well as new dishes like a pumpkin gypsy toast and Japanese pancakes that will be exclusive to Warringah. Flower Child Warringah will also feature more extensive takeaway options and they'll be introducing a venue-specific dinner menu in the coming weeks. As with the first location, The Grounds Roasters will provide single origin and seasonal blend coffees and The Grounds Bakery will deliver fresh bread, cakes and pastries each morning.

Flower Child Warringah is located within the Warringah Mall at Condamine Street and Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale. Open Monday through Wednesday 8am to 5pm, Thursday 8am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday 8am to 5pm.