Nestled in Sydney’s inner west is the bright, cheerful and nostalgic , which Jess De Varine-Bohan and her husband Jake have been running since 2014.
From the candy-pink front door and playful murals to the coloured booths, music selection and all-round vibe, this kitsch, old-school milk bar is where your inner (and outer) child can come alive.
“I’m no barista, I’m no chef and we [Jake and I] didn’t want a typical café but really, a community hub that had a little fun in its step,” De Varine-Bohan tells SBS.
Just like the good-old local milk bars that were jam-packed with eclectic goodies, Daisy’s has its own self-curated gift store where you’ll find a range of toys, jewellery and accessories all made by local designers. But as far as cafes go, Daisy’s is anything but typical.
It all begins with a no-fuss, flavour-packed menu. From deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese balls, meat pie jaffles and chicken schnitty dippers to sweeter favourites like fairy bread, classic milkshakes (you name the flavour, they’ve probably got it) and ice-cream sundaes, this menu will keep you smiling. Icy tip: go the Jamington: a jam lamington-meets-sundae.
Jess De Varine-Bohan and husband Jake have been running Daisy’s since 2014, where local artists' wares sit alongside old-school lolly shop classics. Source: Daisy's Milkbar
Nostalgia shines through strongly and everything is made in-house each day. That includes their simple yet oh-so-satisfying 1970s-style nibbles plate: a mini spinach cob dip, Jatz crackers, salami, and skewers of cheddar, pickled onions and cabanossi. It’s perfect for when you just want to pick at something without committing to a whole dish.
“I get quite restless with the café and I always want to change and add things. So when we decided to open after hours, I wasn’t sure it would work,” says De Varine-Bohan.
Mac ‘n’ cheese balls, meat-pie jaffles, chicken schnitty dippers and fairy bread are among the retro eats on offer in the cafe. Source: Daisy's Milkbar
With a splash of fairy lights and a liquor license that sees vodka Zooper Doopers and boozy spider cocktails take their place on the menu, Daisy’s After dark was born. Their day menu transcended into night and so too did their crafty side. Each evening, a selection of moulded plaster figures ranging from $5 - $15 (fish, ships, butterflies, dolphins, dinosaurs and unicorns all feature) are laid out on the counter, ready to be decorated with paint and glitter.
De Varine-Bohan says people are finding it really soothing. “The plaster painting has been a great addition to the café. The meal sets the timeframe for how long people are at a place and the plaster painting has broken that, which we love. It’s a great first date ice-breaker as well.”
And if plaster paints don’t tickle your creative side then you can jump on the decks of cards, stacks of board games –including Uno, Connect 4, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit.
Plaster painting, board games and cards are on hand to keep the mood upbeat and nostalgic. Source: Daisy's Milkbar
If you’re ready for a milk bar revival, then make friends by eating cheesy jaffles, sipping on popping milkshakes and painting until your plaster hearts are content.
Mon to Fri 7.30am–4pm | Thu to Sat 6pm–10pm | Sat & Sun 8am–3pm
340 Stanmore Road, Petersham
