The Alley

The Alley is a secret child friendly cafe with onsite playground and parking, found tucked away on campus at the Northside Christian College at Everton Park.

Open to the general public, it's very popular with parents looking for a caffeine fix and a safe spot for their young charges to play. The set-up couldn't be much better: car parking within the grounds and right outside the cafe (no struggling for car parks or pushing heavy prams long distances); a shaded playground enclosed with glass panelling which makes keeping an eye on the kids very easy; purpose built amenities complete with nappy changing area adjacent to the playground (which is accessible via a ramp); and a large undercover area where parents and kids can enjoy a bite to eat, a drink and a catch up.

The cafe doesn't hold a food license, but sells cookies, muffins, fresh fruit and snack food. The good news for the grown-ups is that The Alley serves up great coffee with beans coming from Brisbane company, Wolff Coffee Roasters. 

A variety of Chamellia teas are on offer too, along with Benchmark Coldpress coffee, Charlie's flavoured milks, Phoenix Organic cold drinks and babycinos for the younger customers. Vitasoy, Zymil and Coco Quench coconut milk are available.

Tuesday mornings see bunches of fresh flowers from Flour and Bloom delivered making it easy to pick up a gift or brighten up the home. Also on sale is a range of jewellery from local business, Kita.designs.

There's a friendly vibe here and Manager, James Rossiter is quick to make his customers feel very welcome. Future plans at The Alley Cafe include replacing current table settings with more comfortable and modern furniture. There's also a chance that the cafe's opening hours will be extending to include opening on Saturday mornings - which would make it a go-to place for parents, carers and children, 7 days a week. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates.

Need to know: The Alley's parking is within the College grounds. Enter the College and follow signage to Car Park 3. The playground is suitable for children up to the age of 5.

Nice to know - Future plans at The Alley include replacing current table settings with more comfortable and modern furniture. There's also a chance that the cafe's opening hours will be extending to include opening on Saturday mornings - which would make it a go-to place for parents, carers and children, 7 days a week. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates.

By Sandy Ludinski