Mr NQN has his sporty thing. Every weekend or so he has to run around and get it out of his system. I have a similar thing and that involves shopping. Even grocery shopping to me is fun. So when I got the chance to sneak in a little shopping amongst a lunch I get very excited. Armchair Collective is a shop slash cafe that sells…well armchairs as well as all sorts of beach side items, cushions, cups, bowls and fresh flowers.
There is sometimes an unease when you walk into a place that is full of locals. They clearly know the place well and you (or at least I) feel like an interloper. Especially when shared tables are involved and large sprawling families occupy them or girls in groups huddle for warmth or gossip. So when Mr NQN and I arrived at The Armchair Collective I felt a bit out of place looking for a table. Like we were the last two standing in a game of musical chairs as we see group after group take the remaining empty tables.
We end up perching on the end of one of the large table but then move swiftly when we see a table free up. This five month old cafe is frightfully busy but it is also quite large with lots of tables. The food comes out quickly and so turnover is fast and I don’t think you would end up waiting for more than 10 minutes for a table if that. Ordering is at the counter where you also get a copy of the menu.
Lunch is served from 12pm-3pm and there are the usual cafe staples: soups, burgers, sandwiches and salads. I’m a bit smitten with the idea of an olive oil panini and specifically their version of a BLT-the BRT with rocket replacing the lettuce. The prices range from excellent to prices that Mr NQN gristles at ($25 for fish and chips, “they’d want to be good” he says and is not persuaded by the fact that they are Whale Ale beer coated ). Things seems to be mostly around the $15 mark except for the aforementioned fish and chips and the more substantial sounding lamb and trout.
The guy behind the counter is very friendly and asks how your day is going (and actually waits and listens for the answer!) and when I ask him he says that taking photos inside is absolutely not a problem at all. I take my large wooden number to the table and then do a bit of a walk around of the store. There are loads of gifty types of presents, a lovely range of candles by ZenDiva, mint balls which are a definite curiosity, delicious looking Australian honeycomb and lovely tea sets and glasses. Still, perhaps I was having an off day but nothing made it’s way onto my credit card. Perhaps Mr NQN has been practicising magic! 
Chai with milk $4.50
I’ve had my happy lap around and I look up and see that our food and drinks are being delivered to the table. My loose leaf chai is a generous serving in a teapot boiled with milk the way it should be with a side of honey and cinnamon. It’s excellent with a delicious array of spices and even a slight hot cinnamon tingle at the end. And there was enough in the teapot to make 5 cup’s worth (this is where Mr NQN’s mum Tuulikki would beam up at the sky and express joy-she loves those “bottomless” teapots). Mr NQN had a long black, which we had to chase but was brought to us quickly. All he had to say was “Yeah it was alright” which means I should just taste it for myself next time
BRT $12
The B.R.T. was cut in half and it is a large spongey panini with a crispy outer and a soft inner-just like your favourite jaffle in a sandwich maker kind of texture. It is filled with a generous amount of bacon, tomato slices, rocket and aioli and it is utterly addictive, calories be damned!
Steak sandwich $17
The steak sandwich was on ciabatta bread with goat’s curd, salsa verde, cucumber and tomato. Now this one was tricky. Because I do like a good steak sandwich but the very verdant salsa verde and salad was not what I expected. When I think of steak sandwiches I think of caramelised onion and maybe cheddar cheese and it’s a rich sandwich. This one tasted very, very herby and it didn’t quite work for me. The home made chips however were excellent and well seasoned and I could have had seconds of those.
There are muffins and sweets but we are full from the sandwiches to contemplate them so Mr NQN and I watch the waves crash wildly at Mona Vale beach. And like a never ending game of musical chairs, as soon as we get up another couple sit down at our table straight away.
So tell me Dear Reader, what your favourite type of shop? And does your partner share your enthusiasm for shopping?
Armchair Collective
9A Darley St East, Mona Vale NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9999 2871
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47 Comments | Add your own
This looks like such a lovely little cafe (I wonder if that’s the right word to describe this place) – the first thing that came to my mind was “prop shopping”!
oooh this place is too adorable! Gorgeous food + gorgeos homewares = WONDERFUL!
There was a great place in my old suburb Oatley called Edmonds & Greer that was just like this in every way – it is the locals’ hotspot.
My favourite type of shop are those designer furniture places where I can dream about purchasing $2000 dining room chairs but never do.
what a great place..and so close to the beach..op shops are the only places where i love to shop..otherwise it’s all just a chore really..
that place looks like a furniture shop than a cafe.
That fish and chips is interesting. They use expensive beer – I wonder how much of a difference it makes to the taste? I know Nobu uses Fiji Water to cook rice but thats probably another story!
I’ve noticed, on their website, a few chairs with a large price tags. The shop does look beautiful, I would love to eat my lunch surrounded but all those goodies. My favourite shop is obviously involves vintage clothes, jewellery, furniture and esp. kitchenalia. My bf isn’t interested in shopping AT all. He does like the beach though, I could send him out there.
My running buddies and I have been going to this cafe every Saturday morning since it opened! We ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.
There are usually about 10 of us – if not more, and we just grab any tables we can.
The food is always out quickly, the guy behind the counter is our best mate, I LOVE the way the tea is served and I LOVE all of their homewares.
OBSESSED.
I live only a suburb away and didn’t even know this existed! Thanks for the heads up as know where the next girls breaky is going to be
I used to drive past that place on the way to work, it always looked so busy. Sounds like it’s not a bad place to go for lunch!
I love any shop that doesn’t have the employees following me around or staring me down. I hate that! As for my partner, its usually best we shop seperately lol
What a wonderfull place Lorraine …. think i will have to check it out for myself … love the look of it and the flowers are stunning
Mr NQN sounds just like Stud haha! He does a quick once around and Iv only moved a metre. He then stands behind me ushering me faster through the isles to which I reply “You’re ruining my experience” lol! I love having him there but I do love a good shop on my own
I’m a sucker for anything with ‘Collective’ in the name. LOL
How did you possibly get out of there without making a purchase or three???
OMG, I HAVE to head here this weekend! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you …….
Looks like a fun place. Love the black teapot.
Fun place in which to fossick, attractive and inviting from the outside in. Have to ask friends in the area whether they have discovered? Prices a little steep for a place where food and sales go together?
! I love to ‘get lost’ in Asian supermarkets and kitchenware stores. If there are any New Yorkers amongst your bloggers: would love to know whether a most wonderful kitchenware dept store called ‘Hammacher Schlemmer’ (?: spelling?) is still around: was always almost my v first stop on a Big Apple visit 
!
Okay, that looks like my dream shop. Sigh……Not sure how I can convince my husband to fly up for the day for that one though…..!
Gosh I am jealous what a lovely shop I could just go there to browse the things for sale.
Hi Lorraine, The Armchair use to be around the corner from us in Crows Nest before it moved to Mona Vale and became a store/cafe, I use to love having a wander around the store picking up a few things for the home. Will have to try the new place, my favourite shops use to be clothing and cosmetic ones but since buying a place I love homewares stores.
I LOVE stores like this. They hold such treasures. It’s how I usually get my Christmas shopping done early, too.
Looks like a very interesting shop for a poke around in. I’m surprised that you got out without any damage to the credit card – not sure I would!
Those chips look very more-ish indeed.
Sounds absolutely divine, I could do a BRT right now. Love the little nic nacs this place sells, seems dangerous for my wallet =)
Ohh what a cute shop!! I love it! Ahh my list of places to visit when I head to NSW in a month gets longer every time I visit your blog
And that last picture of the beach is perfect 
I am so there! I know what you mean when you hit a new place that is quite unique and you feel like the interloper. So much eye candy on display. Those blossoms are on my to buy list this week.
This looks like the kind of shop in a novel where a young girl would get lost and then find a magic entryway into another world peopled by fairies and cakes and magical flowers. Like Narnia, but better.
10 Corso Como in Milan and Luisa in Florence are 2 favourite places to shop.
I love the shop name, and the exterior (and interior too actually). Cute place!
I’m not that into clothes shopping, but I love grocery shopping
Lovely as always…. This is the kind of store I can spend my whole day and then go back again in the morning…
The store, the panini, the chai….
God Thanks you so much my dear for sharing this, I really enjoy and feel as If I was actually there…………
Ooh! This looks like the sort of shop my mother (a retired interior designer) and I would love to have tea in. Everything’s so pretty and the sandwiches look divine.
You know me … a book shop! And a book shop which serves coffee is even more attractive!
my absolute favourite is a cafe/homewares store combo!!
i loooove to eat and i dream about opening my own homewares store, so the two combined is heaven under oh-so-now glass dome
Ah, TB Lorraine?!! have you caught up yet?
I love an opportunity to eat while I shop! The homewards look just lovely too. I don’t really like shared tables, I know what you mean about feeling like an interloper. Mr NQN sounds like my hubby,’just try it yourself’ is something he says all the time
What an absolutely wonderful place to be over at the weekend, absolutely
))
))))) (wink , wink)
Cute stuff ,better food and adorable name!
I have this ”sporty thing” too and i need high energy activity at least for 3 hrs a day
min.
Oh and i can switch to the relaxing mode too , depends who i am with
At the moment I really like that sort of shop. A bit of cute homewaresey stuff, some food and tea and flowers and I’m happy. I love the cosy types that feel like you’re in someone’s home.
My second favourite is kitchen-wares and then bookshops.
Hi Su-yin-I know! I love prop shopping and they had lots of lovely props here!
Hi Lisa -It’s a perfect combo isn’t it!
Hi cook.eat.play-Hehe I know it’s fun to look at the m too and dream!
That shop sounds great, is it still around?
Hi Jane-yes it’s very close to the beach
Oh really? I do love op shops if I’m in the right frame of mind 
Hi Michelle-Yes it does!
Hi Three-Cookies-Yes I’d be curious to know that too! Haha really?
Hi Vintage Macaroon -Yes hte chairs were rather pricey! Yes that would be a lovely shop indeed!
Yes they could have their own time out there 
Hi Dani-It’s great isn’t it and cool! They’re so friendly there aren’t they which makes such a difference
I love the way they do the chai-is it the same
for other teas?
Hi laura-Oh fabulous! Well I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Apple-Yes it definitely was busy that day! OH yes being pestered is no fun is it? Haha I agree!
Hi Monica-Fantastic! I hope you like it!
I’d love to know what you think!
Hi Nic-Haha boys!
Yes it’s best if I shop alone reallu 
Hi joey-Haha really? Why is that?
Hi Emily-I know, I must have had an off day!
Hi Sneh-Oh fabulous! I’d love to know what you think of it!
YOu’re more than welcome Sneh! 
HI Victoria-It’s very chic isn’t it!
Hi EHA-Yes I wonder if they have found it!? What a funny name for a shop. it sounds wonderful!
HI EJM-Haha it’s quite a drive too being in Mona Vale!
But for shopping and food why not! 
Hi jenny-Yes they have quite a few cool things there!
Hi Stefanie-Oh right! I saw something online about a Crows Nest one but didn’t realise that it was related. Yes once you become an owner suddenly homewares become much more interesting!
Hi Carolyn-Don’t they just! :S Haha you and me both!
Hi Amanda-It is indeed!
I know I’m surprised too quite frankly 
Hi mashi-I know, me too!
I know I was all set to spend up big but then…nothing!
Hi jess-hehe cool! Well there definitely is a lot to see and do!
Hi Amanda-Yes everyone else seems to know the system except for the newbie too! Aren’t they pretty! Good choice
Hi Hannah-Ooh I like your thinking! Keep writing that!
Hi Debra-Well we may find it hard to beat those places!
Hi Chanel-hehe yes it’s veyr unique on the outside too isn’t it! I’m so glad you do too. I thought I was the only one!
Hi Reem-I know what you mean!
You’re very welcome and thanks, that is very kind of you to say! 
Hi Midge-Oh yes I bet she’d really like it!
Oh that BRT…yum!
Hi bronnie-I hear you Bronnie!
Hi Leanne-Oh well this would be your cup of tea (no pun intended!
) Oh yes I’m well and truly caught up. WOw! Loving it and loving how good this season has been! 
Hi InTolerantChef-Yes shared tables can sometimes be too intimate
Haha yes they’re peas in a pod! 
Hi Mia-I know, it’s a very cute name isn’t it
Haha I wish I had it! 
Hi Claire-Yes good place to shop for props!
Oh yes that’s quite an art to do a shop nicely and like that too 
Love bookshops too!
What a great little space to eat and explore. Was that a Japanese iron tea pot your chai came in?
My partner absolutely does not like shopping (except on the very rare occasion when we are in some cool antique shop). I love brocante shops, especially those that have a selective combination of old and new. I must say I love flea markets as well. I can’t believe you walked out of that place without buying something (beyond food, I mean!). The home-made chips look delish!
Lorraine, I’m lucky. He loves to shop with me. Doesn’t matter what it is. The best is at my favorite boutique. They have a couch at the dressing room. He can sit and say if he likes something or not (and then pay for it). He has same food passion as I do, so when traveling we hit every kind of food market, kitchen store. And, all I pray for is a sample or two which keeps him happy. He loves your blog and I’m sure would marry you to travel and eat at all the places you go to. In fact, NQN is the only blog he faithfully follows next to mine.
Shops in cafes are SO dangerous – I also fall prey to them – especially after a glass of wine at lunch.
Oooh, that Chai looks really good, I love those teapots! My favourite type of shop is specialty clothing – Gallery Serpentine in Enmore is my all time favourite
That shops looks like my perfect afternoon: so much to look at. It’s one of those shops I tell my husband to come back in 2 hours. The food looks great too.
My favorite place to shop are architectural salvage stores. I find them in most cities I travel to! Some are better than others but full of gems!
Wow! This shop is just so perfect. I can’t believe I didn’t check out this place while I was in Sydney back in 2009. Will definitely be back soon, and will make sure I make a pit stop there to get more home supplies. I’m really drooling over the decor and what else, food of course. Thanks for sharing.. Cheers, Jo
I’ve been meaning to make a visit here for ages! It’s my dream to own a shop like this one day!
Cute shop!
I have to admit my favourite type of shop is an online one where I can browse for ages without pushy sales assistants & can do my research to make sure i’m getting the best price.
This is a great cafe, but I have no intention of telling everyone how good it is as I did with sister cafe Boathouse at Palm Beach.
You have to arrive there at dawn to get a seat because its sooooo bad.
Believe me, in both places the food is so bad and the ambience dreadful.
So…. you can only go there when I’m not trying to get a seat:)
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