The Federal Store

Crammed with retro furniture, superpopular Federal conjures up a 1950s corner-store vibe. Switched-on staff in dinky headscarves take your coffee requests…

The eatery is the go-to for young locals looking for caffeine assistance on the weekend morning. This particular visit it was heaving and was even witness to a pregnancy announcement. In line with the decor the food is predominantly 'American diner', offering delights like a brunch quesadilla topped with beans and two fried eggs, huevos rancheros that come with tortillas, spicy beans, bacon, and relish, and a beef and bacon burger with slaw and curly fries.

• Mount Taranaki / Egmont National Park Walks: There are many walks you can do around Mount Taranaki depending on your fitness level. For an easy level, including good for kids, you can try the Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls or the Wilkies Pools Loop Track. For more of a medium level, you can do the walk to the Pouakai Hut (about 4 hours return) where you will be able to get some iconic photos of Mount Taranaki’s reflection in the Pouakai Tarns.

My first visit to The Federal Store was during the WOMAD Festival and it was packed to bursting. Returning to New Plymouth a few months later, we found the cafe just as popular on a sunny Sunday afternoon when we called in for coffee and cake. There are touches of the 50's throughout like the vintage style aprons and head scarves worn by some of the staff, a Tip Top mural, and paper bunting.

At the Federal Store in Strandon, we enjoy a cozy and friendly spot for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. The indoor seating options offer a relaxed, friendly environment, although we often sit outdoors on lovely sunny days. We mostly come here for morning coffee, but recently, I tried the gluten-free avocado on toast, which was fabulous, topped with cherry tomatoes and a perfectly poached egg.

About a five-minute drive from New Plymouth’s CBD, in the popular suburb of Strandon, is The Federal Store, affectionately known by locals as ‘The Fed’. Look for hearty breakfasts, a cabinet chock-full of delicious salads and generously portioned home baking, a steady stream of locals popping in for milkshakes after a surf at the nearby East End Beach and really good coffee.

Another acclaimed breakfast provider is Federal Store, just out of the CBD in Devon Street. The fun 1950s décor is complemented by a breakfast menu that makes choosing difficult. Should you have creamy balsamic mushrooms, banana and coconut porridge, or the full Federal Breakfast, complete with house-made rosti?

Those looking for the region’s best flat white have ample selection with Elizabeth Collins of Elixir Café, Zoe Flower of Emmalou Macaron and Coffee House, Antony Manjali of Escape Coffee and Tash Corban of Ozone Coffee Roasters all finalists in the category of best barista.

The Federal Store Located at 440 Devon Street East in Strandon is one of those places that’s always filled with locals. This retro-styled cafe with its funky decor has become a favourite spot for both you and your dog to enjoy a great breakfast or brunch.

Their food is made fresh daily, baking yummy cakes and fresh bread onsite and their a la carte menu changes monthly. There is a great selection of home made cakes and treats for morning and afternoon tea coupled with fantastic coffee.

Through numerous labor experiences and various roles involving coffee he started to earnings a stuffed understanding and thankfulness for the product and has now brought those skills…

It’d be impossible to have anything but a good day after you’ve started with apple crumble porridge. Seriously, cinnamon stewed apple and shortbread crumble for brekky?

Try The Coffee Club, Fitzroy, opened in 2023 and is well known for its yummy breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings, as well as the coffee of course!

440 Devon Street East, Strandon, New Plymouth 4312, New Zealand. It was busy when we arrived quick service, good food. Good gluten free options.