The Northside is home to a new coffee destination, Forrest Specialty Coffee, opening at Westfield Belconnen today, Saturday 12 June.

From the team behind East Row Specialty Coffee, Belconnen’s newest go-to café is set to bring a “finer dining brunch spot” to the Town Centre.

The name Forrest, to mean ‘for rest’, invites shoppers into “a place to rest amongst the hustle and bustle of the centre”, explains head chef Yokas Wu.

“Forrest offers people a place to have a break, while enjoying great food and coffee,” says Wu.

“But the beauty is that they’re also in the most convenient location to run errands, go shopping, head to the gym, or entertain the kids.”

The aim is to transport diners away from the hectic surrounds while they take some time out for themselves, and the light and airy fit out from Unison Interiors does just that, complete with greenery, wooden textures and brown leather for warmth and cosiness.

“You’ll forget you’re inside a shopping centre entirely.”

On the menu, Wu says there’ll be a little something for everyone, prepared with “sophisticated cooking techniques used in inventive ways”. There’ll be some healthier options too, that are no less delicious.

And of course, as with East Row’s offering, everything will look just as good as it tastes.

Sweet tooths will love the waffles with chocolate anglaise, caramelised banana, waffles, caramel popcorn and ice cream, says Wu, or the breakfast panna cotta with crunchy oats and blueberry compote.

Savoury lovers need not fret; Wu reckons you’ll love the mushroom benedict or the vegan meatballs with roasted cashews, pickled cucumber, onion salsa and corn chips.

Forrest Specialty Coffee will be open Monday-Thursday 7.30am-4pm; Friday 7.30am-6pm; Saturday 7.30am-4pm; and Sunday 8.30am-4pm. Find them on Level 1 near Priceline.