When something thinks of Sutherland, they think of a suburban hub; a place for business suits and uni students, tradies and bludgers. The main street is definitely no place for a caravan, and yet, the Left Bower has parked to offer commuters an escape from the mundane suburbia that surrounds it.

 

It’s not a real caravan, of course, but the hole-in-the-wall cafe has nailed the facade enough to make you think you’ve travelled back in time to the 70s. 

 

Stepping past the paneled exterior is like going through a time machine. If the single-grain cabinetry and yellow vinyl chairs aren’t enough to hit you with a wave of nostalgia, the display of wooden racquets, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang board games and rainbow marbles certainly will. 

 

The cafe itself is authentically compact, and echoes with the sounds of chatter and the sizzle of bacon. The small amount of floor space left is stuffed with fold out tables and a wall-to-wall bench that leaves diners fighting for elbow space. Fold-out tables and brightly knitted blankets are offered outside, which works as a relaxing escape from the inside bustle despite being situated across from a busy train station. 

 

But what some would consider cramped, others would call cozy. The Left Bower has delivered a snug and sometimes claustrophobic experience that’s reminiscent of family gatherings.

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With the strong sense of community the Left Bower evokes, it’s no

surprise that the cafe is family run. With guidance from their father

Jack (owner of Jack of Harts and Jude in Engadine), Rhys and Owen

Hart clearly thrive in this environment. From their favourite position

- behind the coffee machine - the brothers will happily chat all things

coffee. And with their palpable passion for the Australian grown beans

and it’s smooth creamy taste, it’s no surprise that the coffee is ace.

And if coffee isn't your thing, it’s cool beans. You’ll be welcomed into

the family regardless, and can indulge in a classic childhood favourite

instead with a frothy milkshake served in a milk bottle, authentic enough

to take you back to the milkbar.

 

The Left Bower’s decor may be old, but the only dated part of the food

experience is the kitschy crockery it’s served on, which set off the brightly-coloured meals. The star of the winter menu is definitely the fluffy corn and zucchini waffle that’s topped with chorizo, beetroot relish and a single poached egg. 

“Less wanky options” are also offered, with spins on classics like Dad’s Bacon and Eggs completed with crispy rashers and a creamy scramble and served with pesto on thick sourdough. It’s so good there’s no way your dad could have made it. 

 

Or if you’re on the run, go for a home baked delicacy. The fresh muffins are light and pair perfectly with a cappuccino, but be wary of the overly rich carrot cake, which has equal parts cream cheese frosting and actual cake.

 

Would I come to the Left Bower for fast service? No. But I would come for the sweet nostalgia that the cafe offers, and stay for the family-feel and menu that’s crafted with love.