The Lab - ROYSTON PARK

Great little place in my local area with just enough theme to make it quirky but not over the top and corny. I come here fairly regularly now for lunch and the occasional Saturday brekky, the Ricotta Hotcakes with banana, bacon and butterscotch are sensational as is the BLAT (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado and Tomato) toasted sandwich with fries. If you're after something lighter they do a great Caesar Salad and the Steak salad is my favourite. My vegan friend is a big fan of the Roast Veggie and Quinoa Salad. Coffee is excellent also.

Accidentally came across this cafe. Fabulous coffee, yummy muffins, rest of the food looks great. Must try the breakfast in the not so distant future. Easy under cover parking, quaint deco and friendly, welcoming staff.

Well my experience here was certainly mixed. The atmosphere was less than I expected and felt more sterile medical than a 'theme' or quirky atmosphere - sure water and some drinks are served in beakers but that's about it theme wise!! I came here with my parents and daughter last Saturday morning around 9.45am for breakfast. It was relatively quiet when we arrived but within 10-15 minutes was full with people gathering in hope of a table. I will point out when I say full that consists of about 15-20 people total!! With the influx at once our experience was not a good one. We ordered and waited about 10-15 minutes for coffee to arrive then our breakfast took about 50 minutes to reach us! There were 2 staff members in that were trying their best but couldn't cope. What was the owner / manager did arrive but the 'storm' was well and truely over. The meals were ok and I have taken pic of new menu as prices have increased and menu changes slightly. The meals were of reasonable size and tasted ok but plainly presented. I had the ricotta pancakes which were nice but presentation plain especially compared to other customer photos here on yelp!! I would suggest if you do decide to come here and it's busy - move on! Will probably not return but happy I tried The Lab.

Keeping a new cafe afloat requires balancing a number of elements to create a formula for success. As a customer since the beginning its pleasing to see things growing and periodically it's hard to get a table. The open kitchen, friendly staff and great food (the chicken burger is our staple) mean the LAB is #1 on our list, reducing the need to experiment with other options on Payneham Road. Pardon all the puns there, but the theme of the cafe is unique and worthy of imitating in this review!

This is a newly opened café on the ground floor of a medical building. It is perhaps not ideally located, being on busy Payneham Road, and easily missed. However there is covered parking behind. The café provides for breakfasts, lunches and in betweens. It has a window wall towards the road, a display wall of old laboratory equipment, and even a periodic table! The decor is clinical white and blue with colour accents. There is only table seating for eight, but this could be easily extended if required. The lunch menu is a little exotic for my taste – no pie with sauce here! – but i place my order at the counter and return to my table. Cutlery and napkins arrive in a beaker! I thought a carafe (burette?!) of cold water would have been a nice touch. My mushroom, leek & gruyere tart is very tasty, although I am not inspired by the house salad. My slice of baklava comes with a decorative petal, and my cappuccino with a fern pattern in the froth. I find the girls very friendly and welcoming. I enjoy my experimental visit, and hope the Lab does well.