Gertrude & Alice Cafe, Bondi

I can be found wandering 'round Bondi beach on Thursday evenings whilst my son is dancing up a storm with the TapPups. In summer - this is wonderful and busy, in spring & autumn it's even better when it's not as hot and there's not quite the crowds. In winter, well it's great - really only the locals. The downside, I discovered, is that when the people disappear so do all my favourite cafes - they just shut earlier and earlier, and that makes having a late coffee rather tricky!

Then I discovered this fabulous bookshop! I found it in the middle of winter, on a rainy afternoon-evening. With it's cafe serving coffee, cake and food into the evening - when it's cold and/or wet outside, this is the place to be. Oh, and you might even pickup a book, have a read, possibly buy a book or two - or even just strike up a conversation with someone around you.

The best place to sit is the comfy lounge inside - but it's only by a stroke of luck that you'll get that spot as everyone seems to want it.

If it's not winter - you can sit outside - but my personal favourite is to pick a spot at one of the long tables, where you can sit, surrounded by books to choose from and enjoy a Campos coffee & a sticky date pudding cake (although I don't think these are on the menu now - might be a winter thing). Lots of other things on the menu to try - and a great place to wile away some time.

Where is it?

Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore

46 Hall Street,

Bondi Beach

www.gertrudeandalice.com.au