Remember those days when you knew the name of your local grocer and the owner of the milk bar? Maybe not, but chat to your grandparents and they’ll fill you in on the details. Luckily, history often repeats itself and the couple behind Norman Perk cafe has created a locale with a nod to the days of old when a sense of community ruled.

Open from 6:00 am each morning, Norman Perk is the work of local foodies Bayley Clark and John Walz. After working as a chef and designing airline catering menus, Bayley was ready for a change and her plans came to fruition when a space became available on Wynnum Road. Call in for a takeaway Di Bella coffee, settle into the window seat with a cuppa or bring the kids and let them raid the toy pile while you enjoy a cold brew on a steamy day. Those who live nearby can leave their favourite coffee cup in the cafe and have their daily coffee served in the mug at a discounted rate.

Norman Perk may be founded on old-fashioned values, but the food isn’t inspired by the days of bread and dripping. Instead, you’ll find homestyle nosh such as banana bread made from an old family recipe, veggie juices and John’s Big Breakfast, which consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, smoked chorizo, baked beans, avocado and country grain bread. There’s also a cabinet of homemade foodstuffs ready to go, such as treats, sandwiches and bagels. In keeping with its neighbourly philosophy, Norman Perk’s produce is sourced from local producers.

Norman Perk
296 Wynnum Road, Norman Park
Open: Monday to Friday 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday to Sunday 7:00 am to 12:00 pm