Timing is everything at Moonstruck. By day, this Hastings Street hideaway channelling the all-day cafes of Europe has you covered with locally roasted coffee and easygoing brunch fare. After dark, though, Moonstruck goes into small bar mode, and the focus switches from shots of coffee to boutique Australian gin.

If you visit in the AM, expect bagels ranging from a classic smoked salmon on rye to a blueberry number with whipped honey-and-cinnamon cream cheese. There are toasties too, and the kitchen taps New York for a mean pastrami-stuffed Reuben. Coffee is brewed every way, and roasted for the house by Cooroy Coffee. Smoothies, elixirs and brunch cocktails (including a standout Espresso Martini) are on hand depending on your vibe.

Owners Melonie Thompson and Boy Driessen have assembled a huge range of Aussie booze, but at the end of the day (when you park up in the alfresco section out front) it’s all about gin at their place. Local distilleries Fortune and Seabourne are featured; supported by drops from interstate names such as Cape Byron and Poor Toms. Sample a few on a tasting flight, pair them with mixers by Strangelove, or try them in a house Negroni, Martini or seasonal cocktail.

If you need to break up all that high-proof juniper, the kitchen trades toasties for Euro-inspired share plates. Think Cantabrian anchovies and warm sourdough, cheese and charcuterie boards, and duck and cherry pate.