Brunch: Oxford Cafe, Newmarket

The Oxford Cafe, Newmarket. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Address: 430 Broadway, Newmarket
Herald Rating:

You'll find this cafe tucked at the back of the Mini Garage in Newmarket, which recently moved into brand-new custom-made premises across the road from its previous location under the Newmarket Viaduct.

It's a little unusual to be eating your brunch inside at a cafe and have a car drive by a couple of metres from you as staff move the beautiful minis around the store. The Garage also stocks some very cool Mini merchandise - bags, clothing, accessories - if you're a fan.

The food is all counter food - no menu - and predominantly British-themed in keeping with the Mini heritage. We're talking cornish pasties, scotch eggs and beef and stilton pies. There are also a couple of salad choices, wraps, and plenty of cakes and slices. We had the "Clubman" - a toasted club sandwich on grain bread with chicken, bacon, spinach, tomato and seeded mustard ($8.50) - and a salmon hashcake ($7.50). This was tasty, with big chunks of salmon, but the gloop of creamy sauce on top - possibly hollandaise - was a bit gluggy. We also shared a delicious rhubarb and custard tart ($6.50).

The coffee is Kokako. My latte was strong and deliciously creamy. The coffee machine is
decorated with an in-theme Union Jack.

The service is also counter-only, and is friendly and efficient.

Our table was by the window in the sun and we enjoyed the respite from the chilly day outside. There are a couple of outdoor tables for warmer days ahead. We particularly liked the cafe's colourful chairs, including high stools that seem to be a feat of clever design, the red toolbox holding the condiments, and the table numbers weighted with tiny Minis.

Overall, we thought this is a great option if you're shopping in Newmarket and fancy a quick and simple bite to eat - you might even come away with a fancy new car.