Named after the Golden Orb spiders that can be found in the owners’ garden, the Golden Orb Bookshop and Cafe feels so far removed from the rest of Burnt Pine. Tucked up in its own tropical cocoon, at first it almost feels a little intimidating making your way down the leafy path and not knowing what to expect at the other end. The dark timber cafe is surprisingly large, and the ‘book’ in ‘bookshop’, a little exaggerated. Perched along one wall there are some books and cards for sale, but they definitely are not the drawcard to this enclave. The scones are piled high on a tray on top of the counter. Freshly baked and large enough to cover for two scones, the scone is light and crispy on the outside, and robust (heavy rather than fluffy) on the inside. The jam is better than average i.e., thicker rather than a transparent sweet coloured gel. The whipped cream is thick, just as it should be, and there’s plenty of it and the jam to cover the scone liberally. The scones do run out, so make it there for morning tea. Closed Mondays.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: An interesting array of all the favourites plus herbal and specialty loose-leaf teas.

Price: $$

Overall: A hideaway cafe that surprises the unsuspected.

Location: Taylors Rd, opposite tourist information office, Burnt Pine Ph: +6723 24295

Reviewed in December, 2016