Market Street in Mudgee feels like ‘Cafe Row’, with cafes sitting side-by-side vying for clientele. Cafe 89 sits amongst this bunch and has a large outdoor seating area that’s shaded with multiple umbrellas. It’s ideal for sunny winter days but during the summer heat, a table in the cool indoors might be preferable. Scones are served as a couple, but because I have just finished lunch, I am offered a ‘half serve’ – one scone. The scone looks rustic – homemade, but isn’t particularly tasty. As many types of compotes tend to be light on the fruit and heavy on the syrup, this one is the opposite – superb. However, I hope there is more of the tart, fruit-rich berry compote if there are two scones; there’s just enough for one. The same goes for the cream, which is fairly light. Even though I tend to be heavy-handed with the jam and cream, there should always be enough of both to generously cover both sides of the scone.

Scones:

Jam:

Cream:

Tea: A range of Tea Tonic loose-leaf teas served in a small pot with an unhinged lid.

Price: $$

Overall: A fine choice along Mudgee’s cafe row.

Location: 89 Market St, Mudgee NSW 2850 Ph: 02 6372 4889

Reviewed September, 2017