Jewel on the Swan
Maylands’ former Tea Rooms are reborn as the Peninsula Farm Cafe, a culinary gem on the river bend.
Words ELIZABETH CLARKE • Imagery JODY D’ARCY
Nestled on ancient land in Maylands next to one of Perth’s earliest colonial residences, the former warder’s cottage has been reimagined by Danny and Tania Taylor, the couple behind WA's award-winning BODHI Spa Group.
"Our goal is to showcase the delights of local artisans, producers and seasonal ingredients and bring deliciously wholesome food to your plate in this incredibly beautiful setting," says Tania. "We want you to leave feeling sated and content."
Peninsula Farm Cafe sits on the grounds of the National Trust's Peninsula Farm under a sprawling canopy of gum trees on the bend of the Swan River. Having frequented the Peninsula Tea Rooms as it was known in the 1990s, and seeing it empty and abandoned post-Covid, Tania wanted to restore the site to its former glory. In January 2023 Peninsula Farm Cafe reopened, a jewel on the river befitting its breathtaking location.
Tania has been passionate about food since childhood. She was born to Italian parents who emigrated to Australia and opened the only Italian restaurant in the Wheat Belt and grew their produce for its seasonal menu. Hands-on in the business from age eight, Tania credits this time with discovering her love for dishes rooted in nature. "I’ve always loved to host and feed people with the freshest produce, from garden to table where possible! Peninsula Farm Cafe is an extension of this," she says.
Inspired by its tranquil surroundings steeped in history, design agency Pattern Studio used a natural material palette of rammed earth, timber, lime paint, recycled brick and ironbark decking to imbue a gentle, rustic flavour and a strong sense of location.
“The design is contemporary yet sensitive to the original architectural fabric and the interiors are intended to complement the site’s heritage context,” says Lily Goodwin from Pattern Studio. “The furnishings are elegantly understated, natural, tactile materials were used, and the overall palette creates a lightness and feeling of freshness throughout.”
On sunny days, customers pour outside onto the front deck or roll out a picnic rug on the grass and share delicious grazing platters, BYO wine and baked treats. Dogs of all shapes and sizes frolic in the sun, and children play games while eyeing off the ice-cream cart.
The cafe's breakfast, lunch and takeaway menus change seasonally. As the days get warmer, head chef Louisa Gucciardi is creating dishes such as La Delizia burrata, beetroot and pumpkin hummus salad, and the classic Farm Ploughman's Lunch. Don’t sleep through brunch – waffles with stone fruit, blood oranges and fresh strawberries, as well as sweetcorn, thyme and feta fritters, and eggs benedict with native thyme, are all worth getting out of bed for. A modern take on classic items like lemon myrtle roasted chicken and homemade lemonade scones with clotted cream and preserves remain menu favourites. Dishes are elevated with top-notch additions such as jams from local maker oohlala preserves, small-batch chutneys, sauces and relishes from Mulberry Pig in Noranda, and aromatic dukkah from The Pickled Wife in Manjimup.
"Every ingredient gives us inspiration, and we cook in a way that maximises flavour," says Louisa, who helms a small team of five. "I love the cafe's beautiful natural outlook, the warmth of the staff, and the freedom to design a beautiful menu that our loyal customers continue returning for."
The cafe is open for afternoon functions of all types, from birthdays to baby showers. Grazing boards laden with local cheeses, tangy pickled vegetables, spiced nuts, locally made chorizo, prosciutto and in-house terrines are perfect for sharing among small and large groups alike.
With its idyllic location, considered design, wholesome menu and warm, friendly staff, this is the definition of a passion project – and it shows. Peninsula Farm Cafe is a true gem.
Peninsula Farm Cafe
Open Wed to Sun 8am-3pm (kitchen closes at 2pm)
2C Johnson Rd, Maylands | 0400 660 206
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