“Morning Lorraine! Have you been to …at Perry Lane in Paddington? I grabbed coffee there on Sat & it was packed-wld love to hear your take!” said the lovely MsUnreliable from That Unreliable Girl in her twitter message to me. Upon further reading I find out that it’s bit of a local’s secret cafe in a little laneway cafe that’s only open as a cafe on Fridays and weekends so I immediately put it in the black Moleskine. One Sunday I had a meeting with a girl called Piglet and At Perry Lane it was. And little did I know that there would be Tarot reading involved…
Approaching it, it is indeed a hidden away cafe at the back of the Oxford Shop on Oxford Street in Paddington. It’s a multi level space with the kitchen set lower and chairs and tables set on three levels. I sneak upstairs as it’s busy and nab an empty table. I look down and a few minutes later there’s a smiling face looking up at me which I later learn to be the owner Chris. At Perry Lane is run by Chris, his mum and his partner all doing the cooking, coffee and waitering duties and on weekdays the space is hired out for fashion shows, events and commericals as well as Tarot and Jewellery reading. But more on that later!
He shows me the menu and explains that it’s a reduced size menu today as the chef is away and normally there are more complex choices but I am relieved to see that there is an all day breakfast available (you’ve got to love those fellow late risers in Paddington). Prices are reasonable with the most expensive item hitting the $16.50 mark with most around the $13-$14 mark. Teas are by T2 and coffee is by Campos and there’s a selection of several types of breads from a kalamata olive roll to a rye sourdough as well as gluten free bread (although they are out today). Piglet chooses the Proscuitto, two poached eggs and asparagus on kalamata olive bread and I choose the French Toast with bacon, banana and maple syrup.
Cappucino $3.50
The coffee is that uber rich and heady blend that Sydney siders clamour for. I’d love a little more foam on my cappucino but the coffee is fantastic-rich and with that unmistakable Campos flavour.
French Toast with Bacon, Banana and maple syrup $12.50
My French toast is two pieces of long, slightly chewy toast, dipped in egg with a small pot of real, thick maple syrup and some bacon. Given I’m a bacon lover (ok yes a bacon glutton) I’d prefer a bit more bacon to it but the real maple syrup eases my bacon anxiety.
Proscuitto, two poached eggs and asparagus on kalamata olive bread $13.50
I didn’t try it, but Piglet’s eggs look great and she says that they’re delicious.
Devonshire tea $8
There’s a nice surprise when Chris brings us a Devonshire Tea “It’s a nice sunny day and we made these so I thought I’d bring some up” he says. It’s a comfortingly warm scone served with strawberry jam and clotted cream. I’ve spoken of how I am a bit of a cream nazi and insist on clotted over whipped or double cream with scones so I’m very pleased by the details. Despite my full stomach, I cannot resist a warm scone with these accompaniments and it disappears over my tastebuds and into my contented stomach.
And what of the other four days in the week where it’s not a cafe? On Wednesday and Thursday Chris’s mum Gillian conducts tarot and jewellery readings and beauty treatments. I’m fascinated by tarot and jewellery reading and readily accept their offer for a reading and return a few days later, with my most treasured piece of jewellery (wedding ring and engagement ring) for Gillian to read. She’s a warm, friendly presence and while I shuffle the cards she takes my rings and reads them. Gillian was a tarot card reader at Bateau Bay’s famous Aspirations Cafe.
Gillian reading my rings and the cards
The reading is fascinating and I shuffle the cards a total of three times having the cards read after each shuffle as well as shuffling another set and having that set read. I am a believer but my husband is a sceptic who said to me prior that I “should give no reactions on my face in case you give away clues”. There are some real insights and although I’m the least Poker faced person I know, I never thought that she was reading my reactions and tailoring her answers to me or trying to guess my answers or even applying very general statements to me. There were some very insightful and accurate things that and would only apply to me. Upon later reflection a couple of things that didn’t appear correct or relevant at the time began to make more sense when I realised who she was talking about.
She explains that she can do this for groups of up to five people and that these can be booked on Wednesday and Thursday evenings too. I immediately think of four other girlfriends that I want to take here who would love the idea of sipping champagne (not too much though, that can affect your reading 
) and nibbling on cakes or canapes.
Yes I got the Death Card! But it just means the end of something 
But I also got the Star Card which is a positive card for dreams and wishes!
So tell me Dear Reader, how do you feel about tarot readings? Are you a believer like me or a sceptic like Mr NQN?
Chris from At Perry Lane
At Perry Lane
Rear, 264 Oxford St, Paddington
Tel: +61 (02) 8354 1222
Open: Friday-Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 9am-5pm
Tarot readings: 1/2 hour reading $45, with canapes $55 approximately. 1 hour $80. Head & Neck massage $20. Manicure with Paraffin Wax $28, Pedicure with Paraffin wax $38. Available on Wednesdays and Thursdays only.
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42 Comments | Add your own
That sounds like a completely delightful cafe and those scones looked heavenly.
I too am a fiend for salty bacon with sweet “real” maple syrup- although I prefer pancakes to french toast.
I have had a reading before and there were some very accurate things said- so I am a believer.
I’ve never seen french toast made like that… it looks very cute!
P..S. I’m a sceptic like Mr NQN
Intresting place! (Bananas with bacon? Brits would take a little persuading on that one…) Regarding Tarot, I believe that there is quite likely something in it, but I also believe that it is wrong to practice it. Does that make senes? xxx
Ooh I love little hidden away cafes! Campos coffee is my favourite. And hooray for clotted cream with your devonshire tea, so many places just serve up whipped cream these days!
Sounds like a fun Sunday outing! I want to receive a Tweet like that! I’ve never done Tarot. Not sure I’m a believer, but any reflection on your life is probably a good thing.
What a cute cafe and I love tarot! Im a believer totally! =)
Fantastic find, thank you Lorraine!! I was trying to find a place to meet up with one of my girlfriends on Saturday, now I know where I’ll go.
I actually never did card reading before. I think if she says positive things, I’ll be a believer, and if not the sceptical side of me might resurface. Now I’m aware it’s a bit wrong to think like that LOL
A weekend cafe in the heart of Paddo is a great idea. Whenever I shop there it is so quiet on weekdays but so busy on weekends. A great find as always NQN!
Wow, what a fantastic discovery. I love the back wall with the mirror! And those poached eggs look perfect.
The tarot reading sounds so interesting. I don’t know whether I’m a believer or not… if it was good news, then I’d be a believer. Lol
I love that cafe! Chris and Gillian are always so lovely – and their gorgeous dog!
I was there 2 weeks ago..
only found it cause it had the Campos coffee sign near the main street.
The staff are amazing and the food was delicious..
and of campos coffee is the best.
Thanks for doing a review… its a great little place that def deserves the publicity
I am a believer in supernatural things, unfortunately there are too many scammers giving it a bad name.
Love the look of this cafe, will have to visit next time I’m in the area on a weekend.
The French toast is hilarious…so skinny!
Oh wow, whata delicious little breakfast place! You’re so lucky to have found this hidden little gem. I just had the Tarot cards read to me! very interesting experience
I’m a hopeless subject for Tarot. I’m too worried about them looking bad and end up helping.
(Quote) “You must beware of a yellow truck. Do you know anyone who owns a yellow truck?”
“Err . . . no. But, I’ve got a friend with a blue ute, do you think that’s a worry?” (End Quote)
Your brekky combination was one of my favourites, but, and this is me being picky, I like my banana caramelised with bacon. What a delightful assignation, to meet Piglet at Perry Lane!
What an interesting place!
I’m not a big psychic fan, but I would go there just for the fun experience and the food
The poached eggs look delicious! Sounds like a nice find. I don’t tend to believe in tarot or psychic readings too much but a few weeks before I met my husband, my friend got me to do a psychic reading and this woman told me that soon I was going to meet a guy whom I will marry and correctly predicted the first letter of his name
Oooh, real maple syrup…so yummy! I love that fabulous genie-in-a-bottle looking lamp!
looks like a great find. i’ll have to keep in mind when shopping in the area.
Cute cafe Lorraine
Love those little ‘hole in the walls’ places… Coffee looks intense with the generous cocoa on top…MMm. I would be bouncing off walls after that for sure…
Interesting post though 
As for Tarot readings – I don’t see the positive benefits from it so there is no need for it. I do believe in the Supernatural though, just more from the ‘real source’ which to me is God and I believe He holds more truth and future than a woman with a pack of cards
x
What a quaint little cafe…and fresh scones! Yum…I am a bit weary of tarot readings as they scare me a little…hehe…but I wouldn’t mind doing it with friends and sipping on champagne and nibbling on canapes
What a gem of a cafe – it has to be with tarot reading and massages! Must go for a reading. Haven’t had one ever!
I walked pass by many times but never interested in this cafe (cuz I was alone and the place is a bit hidden.. hehe. I really like the way their French toast is.. and the owner looks very young.
Oh, Tarot.. I think I am between you and Mr NQN.. hehe.
Nice spot to pass an afternoon with some friends. It would be interesting to see what dishes are served when the chef is there. I love extra froth/foam on my cappuccino and when I ask for it, I always get strange looks or ” oh no, not one of those fussy customers” but may as well have it as you like it.
I love tarot, palm, card anything readings, they’re fun and harmless unless you’re a very supersticious person and take everything seriously. The last time my family and I had our numbers read was in Jaipur, India and the reader was accurate on quite a few counts.
I really need to check this cafe out!
This is one of those times when I regret that I can’t have coffee.
That cappuccino looks superb!
Oh, and may I just say that poached eggs – especially with bacon and asparagus – are a lovely thing to wake up to.
That scone with jam and cream looks amazing! I think that’s what i will dream about tonight…
I am also fascinated by tarot card readers and I have been to one in Melbourne that I was completely wowed by. A lot of the things she mentioned about my future eventuated and it was just surreal. Good for a bit of fun too! I hope you left feeling good and full of hope and faith.
upfront? I think tarot, religion, stars, reading tea leave and so forth are a good way to make money and are a load of crap.
But the breakfasts look awesome! *drools a little*
Oohh what a very interesting breakfast!!! That cappucino looks so rich and wonderful.. mmm… and tarot card readings? Hmmmmm I must say I’m not a believer
I love the silver genie lamp! The scones sound lovely too, especially since they were warm.
Ooh I like secret places ^^! and yay for Campos! (even tho I dont drink coffee haha they have awesome hot/iced choc)
I like their plating and the food looks great mmm
although i’ve never come across someone who could read tarot cards for me, i’ve always been pretty fascinated by it. so nifty. also nifty is this little café—i love the look of it, and the food’s pretty easy on the ol’ orbs too.
Cool find. The scones look delicious and with clotted cream too.
haha what a coincidence! I had a tarot and palm reading a few weeks ago in Newtown which was weirdly accurate but I tend to take whatever they say with a pinch of salt. hehe
This cafe looks cute!! That french toast w/bacon & banana looks yum!!! I’ve not tried Campos coffee. I’d love to visit this place…I’m sure I say that about every place you visit, Lorraine! LOL
As for tarot readings – not my thing. I believe that only God knows everything that will happen to us in life, and a bunch of cards have nothing to do with telling you your future. A lot of it, in my opinion, is guess-work, or vague statements that could happen to anyone. That’s totally my opinion…
Aloha Lorraine,
Love the little cafe, the scones, the unusual skinny french toast, and the genie lamp too!Love your photography of it all as usual. Taro,no,not at all.
Once you have found it, there’s no need to search for answers like that. I think some people are exploring when they are young and curious.I too believe that God is the one with all the answers, so I don’t dabble in any of that type of thing.
Awww don’t you just love finding a cafe like this? and YES YES YES for compos coffee.
Hi sandra-I love clotted cream and warm scones and of course it has to be strawberry jam!
Oh cool, that’s great! 
Hi Anita-Very artistic presentation isn’t it! Ahh ok, there are many just like you two
Hi Angela-Haha really? It’s good if you try it, honest! Yes that makes sense actually, I feel the same about Ouja boards. They scare me to death!
Hi Steph-Me too! I feel like I’m Alice in Wonderland
Yes I know, I almost squealed 
Hi Barbara-Hehe they’re great aren’t they! That’s true!
Hi Brianna-Oh cool! Well I can definitely recommend Gillian as a reader
Hi Myriam-You’re more than welcome! Great idea to go there with girlfriends and for a spot of shopping afterwards
Hehe I know what you mean! 
Hi Aubrey-Yes indeed! It’s so busy there on a weekend. Thankyou!
Hi Betty-Thankyou! yes I must go back for some of those
Haha I know exactly what you mean! 
Hi Anthea-Ahh cool yes they are so friendly and how cute is the little doggy!
Hi sophia-Oh cool! Yes I love how you can just happen upon it! Yes they’re just doing it so well I’ve no doubt it will be a success
Hi Lisa-That is true, there are lots of scammers but I think Gillian was great and genuine
Definitely do!
Hi The Duo Dishes-Haha it was rather skinny-like the people of Paddington!
Hi Marta-It was very cute indeed. I know, thanks to that unreliable girl! Yes I want to go back actually
Hi Caro-Hehe you are so cute and funny, that’s great!
Oh yes that’s true, like a chapter of Winnie the Pooh!
Hi Sophia-It’s great
That’s a good enough reason! 
Hi 5 Star Foodie-Oh wow, isn’t that a great story indeed!
Hi Faith-I know, real maple syrup is the best isn’t it! Hehe it’s so cute
Hi Simon_Definitely do!
Hi Eve-I love them too
Ahh ok well I guess each to their own 
I’m not a religious person so I tend to look outside traditional religion!
Hi Alexandra-I think that makes it more relaxing doesn’t it!
Hi Karen-Oh you must! Gillian is great
Hi Ja-Ahh I think they ahve a lot of people pokig their heads in wondering what is in there!
Hehe that’s cool, fair enough!
Hi Matilda-Indeed!
Yes I should really go back. I was so disppointed to hear that he was away as the dishes sounds fab! Yes definitely stand by your guns. I love my tea and coffee a certain way too! 
Oh wonderful! That’s great to hear.
Hi Anh-Yes please do!
Hi Midge-A good coffee is a nice thing indeed although I try not to have coffee too often
Hi Maria-Hehe me too!
Oh that’s marvellous! I did actually, I left in a great mood and very hopeful 
Hi Fiona-Haha tell us what you really think!
Hehe that’s cool, some people just aren’t into it! I think we all believe in food though! 
Hi Trisha-Ahh so many non believers! Hehe I thought there might be more believers but that’s cool
Hi Arwen-Yes it’s just terrible to be served cold scones isn’t it!
Hi FFichiban-Yep secret places are the best! I didn’t realise you didn’t drink coffee. Cool!
Hi grace -They must be more popular here! Hehe that’s very important isn’t it!
Hi foodie-central-OH really? What a coincidence! I really want to go more now as this was my first
Hi Liv-It is very cute
Campos is really rich coffee and very nice indeed. Hehe that’s cool! Yes everyone has their own views on it. As I’m not religious I like to look at non traditional methods but that’s me and everyone is different! 
Hi Marilyn-Aloha lovely Marilyn! Thankyou so much! Interesting, a lot of people have expressed similar views to you. Me? I’m open to all possibilities
Hi Yas-I do indeedy! Yes it’s a nice, rich coffee isn’t it!
Saw the photo of the guy and thought wow you have a hot looking hubbie then realised he was actually the cafe owner.
Though I am sure your hubbie is a cutie.
Hi Reality Raver-Hehe Mr NQN is a notoriously shy creature. He’d hate for his photo to be up on the site!
I do tarot reading as well, as I am a fellow believe, but I am rather good, if i do say so myself
Such a lovely idea, the cafe is.
Hi ArtemisIII-Fantastic! May I ask where you learned it? I’m fascinated by it!
Secret cafes.. I thought they only existed in Melbourne.
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