PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAFar From the Madding Crowd – which it certainly is – is a tiny, off-beat cafe located up and away from Westfield Woden’s sunny topmost strip. The name is both the title of a Thomas Hardy novel and – less famously – a line from a Thomas Gray poem, but neither work of literature are called to mind upon viewing this unique Corinna Street fixture. Although small (the interior seats only twelve people, the outside perhaps one or two more), what the cafe lacks in space it makes up for in character. Several potted kumquat plants give the interior an airy, summery feel; while the main wall is peppered in glossy, framed photographs of flora and fauna. Featured are velvety butterflies perched on leaves and other shots of the Australian macroverse. Owner and chef Andrew Brodie takes the photographs himself, bedecking the cafe with the results of his macro lens.
Far From the Madding Crowd has been open for over five years and has long been a well-established breakfast nook, as well as a good find for those quiet lunches. A variety of quiches, pies, sandwiches, salads, muffins and other bites are made on the premises. The cafe has been nominated for an ACT Restaurant and Catering Award for Excellence every year since 2004, with this year being no exception. Drop by for a peaceful bite in this sunny, quirky, off-the-beaten track coffee shop.
Stephanie Wang, November 2007
