For once I had ended up in a coffee shop not because I had set it as my destination, but simply because I found myself with an hour to spare between appointments in town. My stomach was demanding attention, so I flicked through my mental Rolodex of what scored highly on A Black Spot in the vicinity of Schoolhill – and was open on a Sunday. I could think of only one good option, so decided to aid the grey matter with a quick Google Maps search… and that way remembered the Gaelic Lane Café.

I had once – quite recently – passed this place, mistakenly thinking it had replaced Cup, before realising the other cafe was located on a parallel street up, on Little Belmont. I had arrived late then and peering through the windows saw the staff cleaning up, so didn’t even attempt to try the door.

I had the same reservations this time, not quite trusting Google with the opening times (my Fremantle disappointment left a lasting weariness), but when I approached the long, tucked-away townhouse, I was reassured by the A-frame and tables outside and a busy interior.

I did a double-take when I crossed the threshold this time, as a man was passionately playing a piano, making me wonder if I stumbled on a private event. Quick glance around the rather extensive, basement-hang-out-like venue confirmed everyone was pretty relaxed and in their own conversations, so I progressed to the counter at the far end to make an order.

I was easily persuaded by the scrumptious-looking bakes and requested a GF blueberry brownie with my mocha. I was already paying when I noticed the special drinks on a hand-written note on the counter; and grappled with indecision whether to swap my drink for The Seagull or The North Sea Mocha… But then thought the brownie was enough excitement for the day and keeping things standard would ensure a fair review.

With only one hour before closing, there were plenty of seats to choose from, but I happily opted for the tucked-away window seat right by the entrance. My coffee and cake were served not long after.

The shiny and bubbly surface of the mocha got me worried a bit… thankfully, those worries were quashed on the first sip. The brew was lovely: rich but not sickly, no bitter or acidic notes, striking a lovely balance of all flavours – and very moreish. Even the rather rich and gooey brownie didn’t alter the experience of the drink; and sitting there in my little alcove, with a book I had just bought and a tasty cuppa in hand, live piano music in the background, I was feeling rather content for those few minutes of respite in between appointments.

Gaelic Lane Cafe has a feel of a community venue and is maybe lacking the finesse and glam of some top tier coffee shops, dedicated to that one thing only; but it is getting a few things right which was clear during my visit: it gets people together in a relaxed, friendly environment and feeds them good quality coffee – not something I would expect from a community centre and therefore a very welcome surprise.

I think I might be back to find out what that Seagull tastes like…

Find out more about Gaelic Lane Cafe + Studio from their Instagram page.