Playing the Goat — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

“There is nothing silly about this place. They know what they are doing and they are doing it well” Playing the goat means to act silly. To put it in a sentence – ‘…self-doubting and isolated, she played the goat to get her friend’s devotion.’ Well, in this case it does not apply. This coffee shop is very much serious about its craft. In the forgivable quasi industry looking surrounds (apologies to the nineties) the well organised and enthusiastic staff churns out simple morning and lunch fare in a clockwork fashion. The coffee – made with Roseberry St Beans arrives very much the heart-starter one would appreciate. The ‘mortgage breaking’ avocado on the toast is fresh and reasonably priced. The early morning traffic noise is broken up by the chirps of the customers describing their day’s happenings to the caring barista and her offsider. Almost all of them treated like friends returning. As the sandwich display filled up by delicious looking foodstuffs and the espresso sound carries on, the heavy foot traffic of customers increases indicating the popularity of the spot. If you want to be part of the goat’s playing friends, come and visit this place, at least for a decent brewed hot cup...

Great service and good coffee. Also wanted to say a big thank you to Ned who works there and give them a shout out for the act of kindness the other day. I saw a man in need in the street and when I went to order and pay for a meal and a drink for this person, they would not allow me to pay. I was a bit nervous to go back and give this man the meal they had donated to him and so Ned walked all the way back to where I had seen the man to ensure my safety and that the meal was provided. I will always support them for my coffee order after their charity and kind...

Thank you to the wonderful young man who looked after my husband ( who has dementia) on Wednesday 14th at 8.30 am .. he ordered and paid and drank coffee but forgot he doesn’t drink coffee and was supposed to get hot chocolate instead .. he returned was given free hot chocolates! Wow! just when you think the world is meaner ... harsher and unkind .. a wonderful human emerges to renew your faith .. thank you so much .. we were having a difficult morning but you made our day pleasant !...