Canberra might be Australia's capital city but it doesn't exactly top a list of the country's must-do destinations. While both Aussies and tourists can be unfairly beastly about the place, locals say stuff 'em – and that means there's more chance of a table at Silo, Canberra's best bakery and café bar none.
Everyday there's a queue of hungry Canberrians outside the whitewashed walled café in the cosmopolitan suburb of Kingston, including a smattering of famous media types and often a buffed up member of the Brumbies Rugby union team who play nearby, waiting to take away some of Silo's delectable artisan style bread and pastries - try the blackcurrant and Cabernet tart if it hasn't sold out.
Silo's walk-in cheese room at the back of the café is the place for any fan of the hard stuff (or washed-rind varieties, or soft cheeses) to feast their eyes upon.
If it's still morning, queue for one of their tables and settle down for a fabulous brunch. The menu (served before 11.30am only – show up at 11.31am and you'll be dismissed with a curt shrug) is full of delicious treats, but I find it impossible to go past the belt-busting Basque piperade with grilled chorizo - though the chilli jam on fried eggs and tomatoes has me cursing that I don't have two stomachs. One of these choices plus a flat white coffee is a legendary way to start the day, though be warned: Silo's staff are renowned for their breathtaking rudeness. But grit your teeth and ignore them as the food is so good, even this Miss Manners will come back for more.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 7am – 4pm.
36 Giles Street, Kingston, Canberra, ACT 2604, Australia; Tel: +61 (0)2 6260 6060; Web: www.silobakery.com.au.
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