Early Birds Espresso - Ascot

Drove along the Sandgate Road this morning and suddenly my gaze was caught by the sign of this espresso The best Coffee! Here Now My curiosity pushed me to press on the brake and turned around to the parking area of this café. I was really the early bird as the same as the name of this expresso because the lovely lady just started to set up tables and chairs for outdoor seatings. I then realised that this café is an adjunct of the large gift store. It seems that they are focussing on serving coffee and there is limited choice of biscuits available. Well, that suits my little stomach so just ordered the flat white. Coffee was good in terms of temperature but it was not the type of taste that I like. However, I don't mind to re-visit because the service was very friendly.

We were having lunch across the road from here so we decided a coffee was in order first up. What attracted my eye was the homely verandah setting complete with bougainvillea. Also the quirky brightly coloured gift shop attached to the coffee kiosk. The lady barista was a friendly individual who gave us double shots the flat whites were pretty robust smooth

Are you an early bird? Do you like espresso? And finally, do like to shop for clothes and gift ideas? Hmm, I think I know what you're thinking. What if I don't like half of what you're harping on about? Simple - no matter. Its all about the beans, man - and if espresso is your cup, then this is definitely a coffee for you. Well, for me, anyway - this accidental find - a coffee bar tucked away at the front of the shop that houses it - is absolutely outstanding.  With a bit of a twist, I may add - I go to order a cappuccino and a latte, and I really am fearing the worst as the girl serving tells me 'sorry, is lite milk' ok? I'm literally like, 'Ermmmmmmmm.... go on then.' I really wanted to say no as this is a massive 'no no' for me, but I just didn't have the heart. She was kind enough to offer a further discount of 50 cents on the coffee, which no-one would expect or demand, so hats off for good customer service in a bad situation. I add, she said 'it never happens' and I can believe that. We all have our 'far out' days... Anyway, was it any good? Golly gosh, what a jolly surprise was this one! Beautifully made espresso - strong but not bitter - and beautifully blended milk. I couldn't believe this quality coffee could be delivered from non whole milk. So to imagine a coffee with whole milk from Early-birds is a dream I intend on making a reality at a later date! The cappuccino was nice too, with a nice balance of coffee and chocolate.  The shop has an outdoor seating area, menu's at the front, with a range of biscuits on sale, and there are several size options available. They also have a charity mini sack pack for the homeless ($5 a go) which is a good cause and nice touch. The service is genuinely friendly, also.  One of Clayfield's finest - little known about it, Earlybird's makes a huge impact, any time of the day (that its open!).

The Mill Coffee is a big hit with the medical staff and patients who fill Wickham terrace on weekdays.

The Coffee Mill cafe is located across the road from the Old Windmill, Queensland's oldest and arguably one of our less impressive historical structures.