Scout's Honour, Redfern

Between writing this and finding Scout’s Honour on social media, the Australian spelling of ‘honour’ came back and bit me more times than I’d like to admit. This little coffee bar/sandwich shop is located in what used to be a small Redfern fruit shop. In an area that doesn’t really come alive until night time, it’s pleasant to see more day-time cafes creeping up over time. Scout’s is known for their rotating variety of soups available for lunch. Unfortunately, I overestimated the short walk from Redfern Station and arrived during breakfast. Luckily they do takeaway so I was able to bring some soup home.

The menu is stuck up with washi tape at the white-tiled front counter for you to peruse before ordering. Then walk past the fluffy black pup enjoying a midday snooze and the large bag of bread propped up against the wall outside the kitchen into the dining room. It is simply decorated with rusty scales, leafy plants, and lots of wood accents. Space is limited here; choose between the communal table, island seating, and two bar tables.

Berry smoothie blended with milk, honey, yogurt, and cinnamon ($6.50)

Being a coffee bar, it’s not a surprise that their barista is quick so you won’t be losing time waiting. Meanwhile, I’m off caffeine until exams so all I can do is look longingly at the flat whites and piccolo lattes being made. If you’re feeling a little old school, go for a vanilla malt shake. Besides all that, Scout’s has smoothies, chai, and even coconut water!

Tomato and ricotta toast ($8.50)

Breakfast at Scout’s is mostly delicious-sounding sandwiches like bone ham with cheddar, mustard, and pickles. But I had to order a tomato and ricotta toast; thick slices of tomato splashed with olive oil and caramelized balsamic, all covered with a generous amount of seeds and nuts. Dropping in for lunch? Scout’s has soup served in an enamel cup with a chunk of Sonoma miche. Depending on the day, you can get anything from a hearty lamb and barley soup with kale pesto to a curious sounding caramelized fennel soup with fruit loaf croutons and dill. I happened to get some Dr. Seuss-like green pea and ham soup with toasted almonds for crunch and mint olive oil.

Turn away from busy Redfern Street and into this cute café. Sit at one of the bar tables and watch wisps of steam escaping the soup pot behind the bar while waiting for your food. If you’re in a rush or there’s no room left in the back, you can grab your meal to go; it’s just as tasty. You won’t be able to enjoy the background music though. The day’s soundtrack included soul and 90s rap (think Angie Stone and The Notorious B.I.G.). I think Scout’s Honour is great because of the really nice staff and the simple, but fulfilling food. It’s definitely somewhere you should visit for a lazy brunch. Scout’s honor!

Scout's Honour
118 George St
Redfern NSW 2016
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