The Oarhouse — Restaurant in Bayswater

Do not come here if you have ADHD; far too much stimulus. Inside the coffee machine is very noisy, then the talking, and the music is too loud. (Currently playing is Billy Idol’s White Wedding. I’m sitting outside and I can hear that.) Then try listening to someone that came with you speak to you across the table. Forget it.

So you go outside. Put your coffee on a table, it wobbles and your coffee spills. The tables are not balanced up.

Then these buzzer things they have. Inside and out these things sound like a truck reversing up every minute or so. You’re trying to listen to someone speaking and then a truck reversing up noise starts. You hear that, your attention is taken away from the conversation, you’re annoyed, you bring yourself back to the conversation and another truck reversing up noise goes off again.

Now, I love dogs, have one myself. Our dog is well behaved (generally, unless he sees food, but… let’s not go there.) Regulars bring their dogs here, they have walked here with their dogs and they seem to know everyone at all the tables. They tie their dog to the front rail (like a horse out the front of a saloon in an old western movie) and go off to talking to everyone. That in itself is not bad. However, when the dog starts barking for their owner to come and get them and the owner ignores the dog… barking, next to us sitting at the table next to the dog, OMG. Love the dog, not the owners that ignores their dog’s distressed barking leaving us to not be able to have a conversation across a table.

My wife says the coffee was “okay” I had a hot chocolate. Way too much water, very little milk and it’s the cocoa type. Not great. The hot chocolate says on the menu that it’s came with a marshmallow. Yeah, I had to ask for it.

The banana bread was delicious though, and the cinnamon scroll was beautifully heated tasting great as well.

I have counted the truck reversing up noise since writing this on my phone… 14 times, while writing this…

Would I go back? No!

Food was great, drinks were very very average, atmosphere is not good at all. The noise and extra stimulus is very high, especially those...

I paid another visit to The Oarhouse today, this hidden gem is fast becoming my favourite.

Great coffee, friendly staff, relaxed vibe with picturesque views of the Swan River and a cool interior with thoughtful decor that nods to the building’s interesting history.

I had the eggs your way - the bacon was done to perfection, hash brown was soft on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside and the avo smash on toast was divine! The breakfast sliders and croissants are also super tasty and a variety of delicious gelatos are a hit with both kids and adults alike.

The cafe is close to walk and bike trails, a dog park, exercise equipment and playgrounds, with plenty of parking… you can even pull up in your boat or kayak! It really is the perfect breakfast or brunch spot....

if you want to immerse yourself in community and the peace of the river - and have lovely food - this is your place. Rob and all the staff are super duper. You might have to wait a while for your coffee on weekends - chill - watch the people laughing and chatting - go pat a dog [ask permission first] - watch the kayakers and rowers - then grab your coffee. Slow down and feel the goodness and kindness of all the locals. And if Rob gives the ambos and any other emergency services crew front in line - stand back and thank them for their service. That caffeine could save a life. LOVE...