Keeping the bones of the old-fashioned general store it used to be, The Belle General has a relaxed charm that suits its location opposite Shelly Beach. The interior is a mismatched collection of plastic chairs covered in fine, hand-stitched leather, and repurposed wood tables, benches and banquettes, with chalkboard and butchers’ paper specials menus. It’s the kind of cafe that gives the impression nobody will bat an eyelid if you and the dog both pull up at an outside table with sandy feet.
Allpress coffee is well made in a Flat White ($4) making it the best coffee experience I’ve had on this Northern Rivers trip. Unfortunately in an Iced Coffee ($7), it wasn’t quite as impressive. A friendly floor team of sun-kissed, blonde youngsters deliver our drinks, which also include a wonderful cold-pressed Carrot ...read more