Local Customs is Adamstown’s newest cafe, aiming to bring an already tight-knit community even closer together. Its weekend opening was last March 9, and the gorgeous backdrop was music from Afro band Kalakuta Republic and Big Jarda complemented by a beautiful and sunny autumn day.
Situated along the long and busy Glebe road, this Newcastle cafe is spacious and beautiful, built next to the iconic Habitat store, and brought to you by the beloved owners of The Bondwood Cafe, Shaun and Daniel Osborn.
The space itself is huge enough to probably fit a few hundred people – perfect for its purpose as a community space where people can gather and socialise. It’s filled with lush greenery, a massive courtyard that welcomes you as you enter, and an indoor area where you and your family can choose to sit and have a chat. There is also a curated pantry featuring locally made products, sauces, vegetables, and other pantry staples. The chili oil and wide array of sauces caught my eye, which I’m keen to buy and try next time we visit.
Yummy locally made sauces
Fully stocked pantry with organic and healthy goods
Coffee bar
Encapsulating the space are different kinds of art – paintings, books, beautiful furniture, and music records – all of which you can enjoy at your own pace. The cafe, in its massive entirety, should feel overwhelming, but it’s not. It feels like a place of rest, joy, and somewhere you can put your feet up (figuratively) and wind down. I appreciate the intentionality behind the interiors and designs, and it truly aligns with what the brand speaks about.
It’s an interesting layout inside, as there are rooms within rooms. As you enter the main part of the cafe, past the courtyard, you’ll see an open kitchen bustling with energy. This was a joy to see, as I do love open kitchens. There are lots of spaces to choose from, but if you have babies or toddlers that need high chairs, I recommend sitting inside in what feels like the “restaurant” part of the whole space. It has a more intimate, quiet vibe and this part had air conditioning, which we appreciated.
On to the food—as expected, it was delicious, albeit a bit on the smaller side in terms of portions. What it lacks in size makes up for in quality, though, as one bite of the pastrami or hippie sandwich confirms. We ordered the Reuben sandwich, the hippie sandwich, and a lot of sides. Our toddler absolutely loved her sides—she firmly said “no” to us whenever we’d try to get some of the hash or mushrooms. It was all hers!
Should I eat here?
Yes – come for the food and space, stay for the people. It’s a hideaway and a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Once you step in, it doesn’t feel like you’re a stone’s throw away from the main road – which, in itself, is already a big feat.
If you want to unwind and stop for a second, stop by Local Customs. You’ll thank yourself for it!
Open Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 2 PM
IG: @localcustoms.social
