Three Williams, Redfern

On the far side of Redfern is Three Williams, a brunch institution. Since the huge warehouse space opened, it’s been constantly filled thanks to a combination of filling, pretty cafe food and a minimal aesthetic. Sydney-siders seem to be really getting into the bare room, low-lighting, industrial feel recently. In what seems to be a rare occurrence, the cafe looks like it’s actually designed to accommodate prams and kids – ramps line the space, there’s room around the tables for high-chairs, and a chalkboard at the back to keep the little ones occupied.

I had gotten into the work zone, completely forgotten to eat lunch, and ended up in a sugar crash so I only had eyes for the crunchy brioche French toast ($17). The fluffy, sweet toast was piled with yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, and roasted pecans. The metaphorical cherry on top is a drizzle of organic maple syrup. It’s a plate that gives you an insane sugar rush.

For those without a sweet tooth, there’s things like pastrami, buffalo mozzarella, asparagus, breakfast radish on sourdough with pea puree ($19) on the all-day brekkie menu. If you get there after 11:30am, save room for a narnie ($15) – their signature naan-style flat bread with fillings like pulled pork shoulder, grain fed beef brisket, and tea smoked soy chicken.

Healthy tea brand Life of Cha is well-known for two things: their well-designed ChaBottle and their Crystal tea which is on the menu at Three Williams. The Crystal tea ($4.50) brews a brilliant blue because of the butterfly pea in it. It comes out with a wedge of lemon which, when added to the tea, turns it purple. That’s right, color-changing tea with a subtle pandan flavor. I had to get back to my desk so I skipped the glass of seasonal house made soda with a shot of gin ($8). That’s right, you can add a shot of gin of vodka to your soda to get the good times rolling.

The Friday brunch crowd is serious. I’ve walked past multiple times and seen a packed warehouse full of families, mothers with prams, and (probably fashion) students. It's also a pretty great coffice with wifi available, but the noise levels can get a little high with all the voices bouncing around the cavernous room. But hey, some people can work really well with ambient noise. Weekday late afternoons are the best time to waltz in a get a table straight away, otherwise, sit on the wooden benches outside and enjoy the sounds of Elizabeth St.

Three Williams
613A Elizabeth St
Redfern NSW 2016
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