Brunch: The Apothecary Eatery, Howick

The Apothecary Eatery, 27 Picton Street, Howick. Photo / Greg Bowker

Herald Rating: 5/5
Address: 27 Picton St, Howick

We came here because it has become a popular pick with the locals. A groovy antique cafe that makes a great flat white, what more could you want?

Parking was not a problem, it's Howick.

We walked in and immediately thought we were home. This stunning original apothecary fitout from Northern France is open-plan but with plenty of cosy pockets to nestle into. It's filled with antiques, comfy leather sofas, chandeliers, jewellery ... oh, and of course, food.

The most unusual thing on the menu was the Apothecary granola. Toasted oats, malt wine, poached quince, bourbon vanilla prunes, Clevedon buffalo yoghurt with toasted hazelnuts.

We ordered the creamy portobello mushrooms on sourdough toast, which I thoroughly recommend, and the farmers' fry-up - a heavenly monster of a meal.

The coffee was a work of art ... literally. The barista here is a judge for the country's latte art competitions. His swans and elephants are amazeballs.

The service was friendly and efficient.

We recommend if you come here you try the brioche. Chef Zebh (Peter Gordon stock) produces only the one batch a day, and it sells out within 20 minutes. Worth getting up for.

Overall we thought we didn't want to leave. A new dinner menu has recently been introduced and the added bonus of enjoying a selection of fine wines and beers at the newest addition next door, the Apothecary Bar, means you could potentially turn this into an all-nighter.