It's bound to attract a strong following for its quality cakes and treats. Located next to the historic Maitland Gaol, everything is made on the premises and owner Vanessa, who is coeliac, wants customers to indulge without the worry.

Helen passed the baton on in May 2021 and now Birch & Coffee Co. is serving Newcastle-roasted Floozy Coffee alongside housemade seasonal sweet and savoury treats. They even make their own chocolate powder from scratch for those with little ones after a warming hot chocolate treat.

By night it’s a wine bar and refined restaurant, by day it’s accessible and welcoming to all, serving pastries and coffee by the river. COQUUN is sourcing its own Colombian single origin roasted locally in the Hunter with local celebrity barista Leah J manning the machines each morning.

This contemporary cafe has a strong local following. Serving Glee coffee, a specialty roaster from the Central Coast, enjoy your coffee from either the sunny window seat or the spacious dining space at the rear overlooking the river.

Its Silverskin coffee and T2 tea are the perfect accompaniment to the delectable pastries and cakes that are almost too pretty to eat… almost. The mini works of art are made with love and the chocolate raspberry mousse encased in a mirror glaze is so perfect you can see your own reflection.

Bikesmith serves Suspension Espresso, a Newcastle roaster chosen for its aligned values based on growing and supporting the local community – and for its great taste, of course. To keep things interesting for its coffee-loving community, it also features small-batch roasters for changing specialty and single-origin coffee such as Ground Control Coffee Roasters from the Tweed.

This space is a tattoo studio/cafe/recording studio in one with an inclusive community feel. Dave has previously been a survival instructor where he learnt the art of roasting coffee over fire in the bush.

Excellent coffee is perfectly matched with an all-day dining menu of hearty meals and incredible baked goods, making it the perfect brunch spot on your Maitland eatinerary.

This hidden gem serves a seasonal all-day brunch menu with edible flowers, leafy greens and herbs picked straight from the garden. The cafe offers alfresco dining surrounded by the stunning nursery grounds or comfortable verandah dining. Serving Glee coffee to enjoy alongside home-baked treats or its famous high tea.