I recently visited a little known cafe – local favourite of mine – The Short Straw Cafe.

It is a delight to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city cafes and find somewhere that has some outside area – with grass and a country view.

The Short Straw has all of this in bucket loads and more.  You have to travel over to Whitemans Valley and to 50 Johnsons Rd (well sign posted from top of Blue Mountains Rd Silverstream, map here) but worth the drive.

This cafe was built of straw bales and then plastered (hence the name) – Eco Friendly and so are the staff.  Always willing to go the extra mile to ensure you get what you want.

The food selection is great and very generous.  The berry cake is to “die for” and they serve some of the best coffee around the area.  They have a menu for Adults and Kids –  licensed as well.

You really do feel that you get country hospitality when you dine here.

The kids (and parents) love this place as it has lots of areas for the kids to play outside (sandpit – slides – swings and lots of grass).  A quick look over the fence and you can chat with the local animals.

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Inside also has an area for kids with lots of toys.  I know I have mentioned kids a lot in this article and with good reason – This cafe will do kids birthday parties with small tables and an area set aside just for the littlies.

You just need to ring them to discuss what you want and they will oblige – much better than a McD party and then they can play outside and wear off all that sugar.

A wonderful place to go now that the weather is improving…..Even the adults can come here and enjoy themselves – without the kids.

The Short Straw Cafe

50 Johnsons Road

Whitemans Valley Upper Hutt

04 5287884

A review courtesy of one of our readers Thanks Nola

see here previous review here