The Courthouse Cafe & Bar has “courted” a name for itself over recent years as a provedore of elegance and taste. 

The Courthouse is set in Alexandra's original Courthouse built in 1876. Reopened & refreshed in September 2009 by Rebecca and Barry Farrell.

As soon as you step inside the historic building, you are met with the cafe's signature counter display - usually an opulent show of floral arrangements.

Like its floral display, the Courthouse has served up a meal to be proud of - its “Summer Mornings” brunch. 

The Courthouse Cafe & Bar prides itself on its sophisticated meals, as well as its floral-filled front counter displays. Photo: Tourism Central Otago. 

The meal in focus is a sweet, custard-filled French toast with peaches and raspberries, topped with lamb bacon crumb.

As you take in the view of the meal, it presents itself as a tower of taste. 

An almost cake-like French toast, you cut through only to be met with an outpouring of custard. 

While sweet brunch meals may set some people on one side of the fence or the other, this author approached the meal with an open mind and rumbling stomach. 

The sweetness of the French toast, the custard, and fruits offset the salty, savoury bacon. 

The combination creates a unique harmony as you savour each bite. 

The Courthouse Cafe & Bar’s ‘Summer Mornings’ brunch. Photo: Rowan Schindler. 

To me, the adventurous combination is to be applauded for its endeavour. 

Outside of North America, sweet brunch and breakfasts, such as pancakes or French toast, are not the absolute norm when paired with bacon. 

To me, the saltiness of the bacon really kicks off the sweetness and a delicate balance is achieved. 

For anyone looking to explore the dance which this combination provides, I would absolutely recommend it.