It doesn’t happen often that you go into a cafe and then want to go back. Straight away. Well, not for me anyway. I may enjoy passable food, wine, and adequate service, but I leave with no desire to return.
This time, and why I’m writing this column, is that, during a recent visit to Paihia in Northland, New Zealand, we were lucky enough to find a fabulous cafe definitely worth a “Special Mention.”
Third Wheel Coffee Co. is situated in a small laneway called Selwyn Mall, behind Marsden Road, in the main shopping area of Paihia. Our first visit to the cafe was because a passerby holding a takeaway coffee cup had instinctively spotted us as a couple of fellow coffee addicts and recommended we try “Third Wheel”. We arrived for said coffee and maybe breakfast, about mid-morning, and the place was packed. The minute we walked in, we felt welcome. There was a “funky/arty” vibe mixed with elegance and hominess.
Many small groups of people of varied ages and styles seemed to know one another. Customers crossed the room to chat with a neighbour or friend. It is a place where locals obviously enjoy hanging out and catching up. And yet, as visitors, we enjoyed ample space to observe, and although “strangers,” we were treated as if we belonged.
Ubiquitous family dogs in all varieties accompanied customers. Still, they were kept outside in the cool to lounge patiently under the colourfully umbrellaed picnic tables or smaller tables running along the exterior wall of this charming establishment. Water bowls were plentiful.
The food was delightful in its variety and freshness. The fare was reminiscent of home baking, a nod to the talent of the on-site baker. Everything is cooked on the premises, so freshness and flavour are guaranteed. And yes, there are plentiful vegan and gluten-free options.
Food cabinets are chock-full of cream cakes, biscuits, slices, pastries, sweet and n savoury scones, and muffins. The cafe does not offer breakfast, but this doesn’t seem to matter, as evidenced by its popularity. The coffee and bakery provide enough quick bites to entice customers to come in, stay a while, and call again.
We were visiting very much in the off-season, for a holiday destination like Paihia. Nonetheless, when we arrived, there wasn’t a free table. Soon, however, serendipity stepped in, and by the time we had ordered and paid for our long blacks and bites, a table came free. Yay.
Along with our beautifully hot, strong coffees, the waitress arrived with a side of hot water, no prompting required! Then our freshly baked, moist, warm, buttery savoury cheese and spinach scone materialised, accompanied by two generous cubes of SOFT butter (spreadable to allow it to melt immediately). Oh, and the smile from the waitress didn’t go unnoticed, nor did the quickly cleared and wiped tables. Third Wheels’ efficient but warm hospitality certainly added to the “vibe” of a friendly, relaxing place to enjoy.
Food was served on non-matching, delicate, vintage bone china plates, and coffee in yellow tulip cups with vintage teaspoons. Adding to the “retro” groove were the walls adorned by clever, colourful, and very appealing artwork produced by the in-house baker.
We were so impressed by our first acquaintance with this cafe that we returned the next day, and the experience was repeated. Once again, the place was full of interesting, funky, artistic-looking locals with friends. Once again, we felt wonderfully welcomed and spoiled by the meaningful friendliness and care taken of us at this must-go-to cafe:
Third Wheel Coffee Co.is located at Selwyn Arcade, Paihia. It is open seven days a week & closes early (12 p.m.) on Saturdays and Sundays.
2 long black coffees and two savoury muffins NZ$22.60. Service and experience – priceless.
If you would like to know more about this or any other Mytravelroom story, please get in touch with janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
