If you've spent any time on Darby Street in Cooks Hill, you've likely walked past Hubro. It sits at the quieter south end of the strip, at Unit 1A/295 Darby Street, and it's the kind of place that works just as well for a proper sit-down brunch as it does for a quick coffee and a pastry on your way out. The interior is clean and bright, all crisp white and warm wood, and the menu leans healthy without being precious about it.
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The coffee is the obvious starting point. Hubro is best known for its cold brew, the 'Hu-brew', served over ice and described as the showstopper of the menu, especially through spring and summer. The beans come from Silverskin Coffee Roasters, and the brothers behind the counter have clearly put a fair bit of work into the brew. If you're not in the mood for something cold, the hot coffee is just as well-regarded, and the milkshakes get a shout-out too. There's even a 500ml Hubrew concentrate if you'd rather take the cold brew home and make it your own.
Food-wise, the toasties are the real draw. The Usual Toastie, with ham off the bone, tasty cheese, caramelised onion and aioli, is the one most people land on, but there's a Vego Toastie, an egg and bacon roll, a chicken and cheese version and a Reuben for when you want something a bit more substantial. For something lighter, the bagels run the gamut from jalapeño and cheese to sesame, everything and blueberry, with cream cheese, ham, salmon and smashed avo as add-ons. There's also a gluten-free banana bread topped with strawberries, blueberries, coconut flakes, maple syrup and icing sugar, though it doesn't come with a vegan option. If you're after something sweet, the almond croissants and the Biscoff and Nutella loaded cookies are the go-to treats, and the acai bowl rounds out the healthier end of the menu.
It's worth knowing the history behind the name, because it's not just a clever play on words. The café is run by brothers Duncan and Tim Hughes, who've brought back the Hubro name from their grandfather John and uncle Bill, who were among the region's first entrepreneurs over in Charlestown, setting up ice trucks, picture theatres, petrol stations, taxis and property developments. That family thread runs right through the place, and it shows in the service, which regulars describe as old-fashioned and friendly.
Hours are pretty consistent, with the doors open Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am, closing around 1:00 or 2:00 pm depending on the day, so it's very much a morning and lunch spot. If you can't make it in person, pick-up and delivery are both available, with Uber Eats covering the Newcastle area. The ratings back up the reputation, too, with a solid 4.6 stars from more than 190 reviews on Uber Eats and another 4.3 elsewhere, with people consistently pointing to the hot food and the coffee. It's a reliable, family-run fixture on a street that's been quietly changing around it, and it's hard to go wrong whether you're there for a slow brunch or just a quick Hu-brew to go.
