Hayl Mary

Hayl Mary is a forthcoming cafe in Newcastle East from Phil and Hayley, the people behind Praise Joe, described on the site as a Newcastle neighbourhood coffee spot. The new venue is presented as a larger next chapter: more room, more food and a bigger table for the community they have been part of for years. Its stated focus is good coffee, real food and a warm, welcoming setting.

The sample menu points to an all-day brunch offering with both familiar and more distinctive options. Standouts include The Hayl Mary, built around savoury mince, speck, a fried egg, cheddar and fried potatoes, and the Korean Fried Chicken Burger with kimchi slaw, soy-pickled cucumber, gochujang aioli and fries. Other choices range from poached, fried or scrambled eggs on sourdough to Bircher muesli, banana bread, a meatball toastie and the vegetable-focused Field Trip. Sides such as hash browns, smoked bacon, avocado and soy-miso poached chicken allow diners to add to their plate.

Coffee is central to the offering, with batch brew, rotating single-origin espresso and a barista’s breakfast tasting flight listed alongside chai, matcha, tea and other drinks. The sample drinks list also includes beer and wine, suggesting the venue is intended to extend beyond the morning coffee run. The menu is clearly marked as subject to change, so it is best treated as an indication of the opening offer rather than a fixed menu.

The website currently signals a 2026 opening, with May listed on the main page and bookings to become available closer to launch. For now, Hayl Mary will appeal to Newcastle East locals and visitors looking for a spacious, community-minded cafe with substantial brunch options, strong coffee and the flexibility to settle in for a longer meal or drink.