Harbinger Cafe opens with scones, toasts, and breakfast sandwiches

For those of us still bemoaning the loss of Saint Alban (now Little Jack’s), take heart. Harbinger Cafe and Bakery (1107 King St.) has just opened on King Street and it hearkens back to the charm of the gone-too-soon Saint, pretty china plates and all.

Situated next door to Charleston Boxing Club, the little cafe shares the building with the forthcoming Monarch Wine Merchants. For those cruising down King, it might be easy to overlook. But keep your eyes peeled for the blue “H” sign and you’ll be rewarded with a cafe so cozy it looks like it belongs in the Cotswolds.

Owners Greer Gilchrist and Cameron Neal have crafted a darling space with Landrum wood tables seated with brick-a-brack chairs. Boxed cabinets run the length of the cafe and are filled with flowers, rolling pins, plates, and cups.

[location-1] In the back there are a variety of tables along with hanging plants and a wood ladder draped in the New York Times, Post & Courier, and Business Journal. But if reading the paper isn’t your thing, Neal assures us that Harbinger will offer free WiFi.

All your traditional coffee options are available in addition to a changing menu of eats. Today’s signature item was a Root Baking Co. toast with a strawberry jam and peanut butter called The June Bug. Sweet corn and lavender pearl sugar scones, fresh cookies, and frittata breakfast sandwiches were also available.

Harbinger is open Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.