Meet Effie’s. What was once a corner store in Balgowlah has been transformed into a beautiful cafe and wine bar with an inviting array of natural wines and a Calacatta viola marble window that’s definitely an eye-catcher.
When Sam Batten opened Aggy’s Corner in 2018 together with brother-in-law Thom Lane, it was meant to be more than just a cafe but a community hub as well that supports local producers and businesses. And this is the same concept that they have carried over to Aggy’s sister venue, Effie’s, which opened in early 2022 (both venues were named after their two daughters).
Sam and his wife and co-owner Aniella restored the former site of Myung Dong Asian Grocery on Sydney Road, Balgowlah exposing its original plaster ceilings and adding a floating bench seat, handcrafted by Sam himself, and a beautiful marble coffee window. There are also retail shelves to showcase their collection of for-sale items by Maison Balzac, Leif, and Cultiver as well as handmade ceramics by Tanika Jellis and Gretel Corrie.
The focus would still be on coffee offerings in collaboration with Skittle Lane. Whilst the snack offerings will include Aggy’s signature toasties (such as the ham and cheese toastie with two cheese, leg ham and beetroot, and gin relish) with bread and pastries courtesy of Staple Bread & Necessities plus cookies by Butter Boy Bake.
By night, Effie’s transforms into a wine bar and dining venue with an array of natural wines by Manly’s Winona Wine on offer. Their food offering includes Toast (sourdough, anchovies, mozzarella, green tomatoes and fermented chilli) and Sando (Brioche, smoked shoyu mayo, dry-aged beef, pickled cucumber, shiso).
Effie’s is located at 281 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah. Trading hours are Monday – Wednesday, 6 am to 2 pm; Thursday – Saturday, 6 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9.30 pm; Sunday, 6 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 8 pm.
Effie’s | 281 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093, Australia
