Brunch: The Williamson, Ponsonby

The Williamson Cafe in Ponsonby. Photo / Chris Gorman

Herald Rating: 5/5
Address: 1 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby

We came here because we were intrigued to visit the cafe housed in a historic Ponsonby building, the old Fire Station.

Parking was just outside - but being Ponsonby, parking is always a matter of timing.

We walked in and immediately thought it was compact and quaint, with the high bench seats and stools.

The most unusual thing on the menu was the kumara bubble and squeak - which we were told was a Kiwi take on the traditional potato cake with cabbage and onions, which was served with two poached eggs and hollandaise ($15.50). There is also a "breakfast salad" (avocado, tomato, bacon and poached egg on a rocket and lettuce bed for $14.50).

We ordered the crispy potato and feta cakes with two poached eggs, lemon caper cream cheese sauce and bacon ($17.50) and corn fritters with avocado, tomato salsa, sour cream and green salad ($15).

The coffee was excellent.

The service was very helpful. The wonderful serving person came just at the right moment when we had settled on our high stools to take our coffee order and explain the various options, then was helpful with the food and combinations too.

We recommend if you come here make sure you are hungry. The servings are generous and well worth the effort.

Overall we thought we'll be back.