I live very close to Stan's and was so excited when it opened - finally, a place to get proper coffee on my doorstep! When I found out it was owned by an artist also using the cafe as a means to display her work/support her so she could work on her art, even better.
I wasn't disappointed. Stan's serves hand filtered coffee, so you wont get a latte or a cappuccino here, but what you will get is an excellent, smooth coffee and cakes and bakes from the likes of Bakery47. So far I've tried a banana and peanut butter loaf, brownies and a rose and pistachio sponge cake - all delicious.
It operates on a pay what you want basis, which I liked the idea of, but was a little daunted by before going in. I shouldn't have worried though, as suggested prices are displayed and you can just choose whether or not you want to add a little extra (which is nice to do, because art). If you're travelling from elsewhere keep in mind that it's teeny tiny and maybe only sits around 8 or so people, but I've always taken away (Alexandra Park is across the road if you fancy a picnic).
The owner is very friendly and when you can't make it along in person, keep an eye on her social media - her Instagram hashtag #peoplewhostareintostans is a hilarious watch of people peering into the shop suspiciously from their cars at the traffic lights. Though I do worry I'll be one of them one day...peeking in to check out the cakes on display! read more