We’ve been busy checking out three cafes over the last couple of weeks…Zus and Zo, Dellows and Five Loaves along the famed Herne Bay strip that is Jervois Road (Quay if you’re in Wellington).

OK – for smooth, hot Java the three cafes are all on one page. For strength though, all three are also on the same page – none strong enough unfortunately even though we request double shots each time. For a caffeine hit, go elsewhere!

Zus and Zo beats the others on environment hands down. If you want to feel part of the ‘in-crowd’ – whatever that or they are – this is the place, as they say. It’s on trend in terms of what cuts it in cafe decor these days and the menu is different enough to be interesting and away from bog-standard cafe fare. The other two – well Dellows is just tired, although their food presentation is good. Five Loaves primarily caters for deli takeout items and the clientele appear to be mummies meeting early before yoga/beauty therapy/shopping. No indoor tables either so only go to Five Loaves if you want al fresco.

The bathroom at Dellows requires cramp-ons to get there. The stairs are the steepest I’ve ever negotiated ruling out the older/infirm/very young. Hygiene here is a little lacking.

Overall, it has to be Zus and Zo. Downside is maybe having to wait for a table – it’s clearly the ‘cafe-du-jour in these parts.

Next time it’ll be the Rabbit Hole (yes, really) and Didas.

Sayonara