the dish you have to try (that isn't on the menu)

My husband is an avid coffee drinker, and always turns to The Beanhunter for the best coffee finds. So, when we were in Dubbo their app happened to be my new best friend, because I came across this incredible little gem called Brigade Espresso. Not only is it built in an old fire station, but it happens to have the highest rating in Dubbo.

Small and quaint with plenty of super-friendly staff, Brigade Espresso's interior has a warehouse contemporary feel and looks as though there is space out the back for pop-up art galleries (they were packing up when we were there). The perfect place for any social outing!

The coffee beans are sourced from Ethiopia and Kenya, but roasted in Dubbo. You don't get any fresher then that, and you can taste it in the coffee. Delicious.

The menu isn't extensive by any means but certainly has enough variety to cause confusion as to what to order. We went for the Homemade Banana Bread, Mascarpone & Honey; Avocado & High Valley Feta on Wholegrain Sourdough and Roast Pumpkin, Spinach, Spanish Onion with High Valley Feta & Balsamic.

The meals came out fairly quickly - surprising as they have a tiny kitchen behind the service bench that they cook from. Each meal was beautifully presented, tasted amazing and was substantial in size. I would have loved to see a little more texture used in their dishes though...

And just as I thinking this, the staff brought out a sweet dish for us to try. Nothing but an absolute feast for the eyes, and literally ticked all the boxes. This dish isn't on the menu, but I'm sure you can request it... in fact, I highly recommend you ask for it - Apricot and Caramel Biscuit with Mascarpone, Honeycomb, Caramel Popcorn, Pistachio Fairy Floss, Mint and a drizzle of Honey. Absolutely ridiculous. I would drive all the way back to Dubbo (it's 5 1/2 hours from Sydney!) this weekend just to eat it again. It's pure perfection.

I'm in Dubbo a couple of times a year, and it's safe to say I'll be swinging past here again! What a great little cafe.

Cafe: Brigade Espresso Bar
Price (for 3ppl): Food $35; Beverages $13.30
Hours: 8am - 2pm
Must order: Apricot & Caramel biscuit, Mascarpone, Honeycomb & Pistachio Fairy Floss
Coffee: Suburban Coffee Roasters