Syd and Phyllis, Midland

At the old Midland Railway Workshops, overlooking the redeveloped Railway Square, is a fantastic little café. Syd and Phyllis is the perfect place for us pop by for a tasty brunch or lunch, whenever we’re at the nearby Midland Hospital.

Railway Square was where the old shunting yards used to be. It retains many of the old workshop buildings, as well as the old train tracks which run through the great space.

At regular intervals mist rises from the tracks, almost like a ghost steam train has pulled up at the platform. It’s brilliantly done and my Grandson loved jumping around in the mist. There are “shunting carts” which can be sat on, children enjoy playing on these too.

Who are Syd and Phyllis? Owner and Head Chef Sam named the café after his grandparents, it’s particularly fitting, as his Grandfather worked on the railways.

Syd and Phyllis is found up on the “platform”. It was a beautiful day, so we sat outside and enjoyed the view over the square. The café is dog friendly too. Your pooches are welcome to sit at the outside tables.

Drinks

Here the coffee is sublime – it’s $4.50 for a regular cup. It’s by Bolt Roasters, who are very local – they’re set up at the nearby St Barbe Grove nursery (and roast their beans on a BBQ!). I hear their hot chocolates are also a must-try.

My husband enjoyed an organic loose leaf English breakfast. $5 for a pot for one. Syd and Phyllis is also licenced and features local craft beers, wines and spirits.

Food

Previously, we’ve tried the excellent brunch menu. This time we were eating lunch. There’s a good selection on the lunch menu too, as well as fresh foods and cakes in the cabinet. I always like to take a slice or two home, for our afternoon tea!

The 6056 burger. This burger crams in the fillings – two WA beef pattys, crispy beer battered onion rings, pickled beetroot, fresh cos lettuce, tomato sauce, oozing with cheese… all on a charred bun. Served with extra crunchy triple cooked chips with a light coating of gravy – great value for $20.

I absolutelly loved the Moroccan Veg ($18), spiced sweet potato, cauliflower, zucchini, capsicum, hummus and sweet pomegranate are a delicious combination.

My health conscious daughter chose the heritage salad ($16), with ancient grains and wild rice, chargrilled broccoli, beetroot hummus, pickled slaw. Kids are well catered for with all day breakfast options, as well as fish n chips, toastie and a cheese burger, which my grandson chose for lunch.

Service

The service at Syd and Phyllis is very friendly and warm. My daughter did have to check if her lunch hadn’t been missed, as we’d been eating for nearly 5 minutes before her salad bowl arrived. It just got a little held up and arrived soon after.

All In All

Syd and Phyllis is a must for coffee, food and train enthusiasts. Great food, excellent coffee and it’s in a lovely peaceful spot, which is close enough to the existing railway tracks to hear the trains go by.

The Details

Address: 21 Foundry Road, Midland, Perth.
Phone: 0499 794 799
Website: www.sydandphyllis.com
Disabled Access: Yes, ramps from the square up to the café and disabled toilets. No parking onsite.
Distance from Car Parking area: There’s a little walk from the parking area, which is mainly street parking around the corner.
Grandchild Friendly: Yes – kids menu, colouring in and plenty of space to run around!
Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome to sit at the outside tables.

About the Author
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About Stella B

Stella is loving retirement! Besides her loves of gardening, reading and painting, she adores spending time with her family and being out and about in Perth. Living in the Perth Hills, her time is often spent brunching with her husband at one of Kalamunda’s many cafes or enjoying a food platter over a glass of wine at a Bickley Valley winery.