If you ever wake up on a day off on a Friday or Saturday morning (8.30-4) and you're feeling…read moreeasy-breezy and you're looking for a cruisy, quaint, casual cafe brekky or tea then I highly recommend the Piccadilly Kitchen (PK). The coffee is good, at a good price and perfect with a cheeky slice of cake if you're so inclined. We indulged in scrambled eggs with kasundi relish (amaaaazing!) And avocado and tomato on homemade buttermilk bread. All tasty and filling too. Its uber-kitchy decor and open kitchen gives PK a unique home-meal type charm with a rustic hills cafe quality. The service is an OK pace, if you're not in a rush...i can't imagine this would be the sort of place you'd stop if you were, but as I said, if you go in feeling loosey-goosey, no fuss, no stress, PK is a definite winner. Glad we finally made it and looking forward to returning to try the rest of the lunch menu.

This is a beautiful little spot in the Adelaide Hills. Adjacent to the lower entrance to the Mt…read moreLofty Botanic gardens and situated on Piccadilly road which runs from Stirling/Crafers to Uraidla/Summertown, this little cafe is quite often pumping on the weekend. They have a fairly simple set-up; a small open kitchen and a few tables inside and then a few more tables outside. My first visit was on my brother's wedding day when the three of us bro's went out for breakfast beforehand. The breakfast wasn't huge or elaborate but was well cooked and the coffee was fantastic. I've been back for coffee and cake and the quality is still high. They sell all sorts of jams and spreads made locally in the hills and have a rack of plants out the front for purchase. I also read that they have a barter system there; so when we visited they were asking for lemons and were offering food or coffee in exchange. I like that initiative. If you live in the hills and have driven past on your way to somewhere else and thought "is that place any good?", the answer is yes, so you should pop in and support your local hills cafe. You never know how long these places will stay open if you don't.

The hub of a vibrant Adelaide Hills town, the Uraidla Shop has been an important part of the…read morecommunity for generations. The staff are always friendly, and the coffee is consistently of good quality. However as far as being a Friendly "Grocer" goes, there is some room for improvement. The range of foodstuffs is very limited, if you're looking to make something for dinner, best head to a supermarket. There's an ample takeaway food menu, as well as a good selection of pies and pasties. To suit the often fickle hills weather, both indoor and outdoor seating are provided if you choose to eat in. The shop is also a licenced post office, with locals dropping in to collect mail and packages throughout the day, adding to the small town atmosphere. (The Friendly Grocer is currently on the market, so if you've ever wanted to own a shop in a country town, get on it!)

I am trying to contact you but Optus keeps telling me your number is disconnected. Our car broke…read moredown in front of your shop and the tow truck are coming up today to pick it up. I am sorry it was not done this morning, but asap they have told me. Thank you for your kindness yesterday. Christina Posgate

Although it can be a bit hit and miss, the Uraidla market is still worth a visit if you're around…read morethe area on either the first or third Sunday of the month. With a hand full of stalls both inside and out side the hall, there is variety amongst the small collection. Fresh veggies are in abundance, as are pot plants to inspire your Sunday gardening efforts! There's much needed coffee for a Sunday morning - with delicious cakes to go with it and my absolute favourite thing of all is the old fashioned biscuits and cakes - made just the way grandma does! There are also some great lunch options - and apparently the best gourmet hot dog in the hills, so I'll have to come back with an empty stomach some time. The market could certainly do with more energy and vibrancy - it can seem cold and dull in the hall at times - even some music could brighten up the mood. Outside, in the food area, there is great energy - they need more of this to lift the rating from a three to a four (or even five if they get good enough - and depending on how good those hot dogs are!!!)

Barratts is a gorgeous Adelaide Hills Winery. I must admit I oftenn forget what a phenomenal wealth…read moreof amazing wineries we have right on our doorstep here in Adelaide. I suppose McLaren Vale and the Barossa seem close enoough, but the Adelaide Hills features many cellar doors to rival these other nearby regions. Barratts is family run, so please be aware that they're only open on Saturday and Sunday! They do indeed have two adorable pugs and each time I have been we have enjoyed regional platters while we did our tasting at the two large outdoor tables. The gardens are gorgeous too, so it's a great good-weather destination!