Arkwright & Co

Arkwright & Co, cafe
661 Nicholson Street
Carlton North
Melbourne

I have been neck-turning at this place every time I drive past for ages. Since they opened even. And so I finally made it! And well worth it was too. The quaint cafe plays on the originals features of the building with a ye olde English tearooms theme tying it all together. As always, I'll let the pictures do the real talking!

Words and Photography
www.rhphoto.com.au

On This Day

On This Day, Cafe

16 St. Heliers St

Abbotsford

Melbourne Vic 3067

This was a stunning and unexpected find today on route to Collingwood Children's Farm. This beautiful space is set up as a cafe 'on trial' and if it works out will remain. The brick and woodwork of this period building have been stripped back and left all bare and shabby-chic, creating both gorgeous textures and and an inviting warmth to the space. For now there is a great array of cakes on display, plus a good range of hot and cold drinks to enjoy on the peaceful verandah surrounded by gum trees. On This Day is on the left past the Convent and immediately before the entrance to Collingwood Children's Farm. Do drop in if in the area to ensure it's survival beyond the three month tester period!

Middle St Food & Coffee

Middle St Food & Coffee

142 Middle St

Hadfield 

VIC 3046

One of our latest stockist of Espresso Tales Magazine is this tiny cafe, the shopfront for catering business The BBQ Bloke. This is proper Melbourne cool in the proper north-western 'burbs with good Allpress coffee. Take home deli produce also available.

www.rhphoto.com.au

Mr Nice Guy's Bake Shop

Mr Nice Guy's Bake Shop

151 Union Rd

Ascot Vale 3141

After sampling vegan cupcakes by Mr Nice Guy's at the Prahran Markets some time ago I have been meaning to get out and try their cafe. It is what I expected - in that it is in keeping with the brand - retro and quirky. This is a vegan bakery/cafe - so if planning on a coffee get your head around a choice of coconut milk, soy milk or almond milk.  I tried coconut, cos I'm just that kind of lady I guess... (I'm  game to try anything new!) My visit was motivated in part to my having gone 'Vegan Curious' since the new year - I'm already a vege so more of a jump than a leap! I am going to define Vegan Curious as: switching to soy in my coffee and eating vegan most of the time - as long as it's not putting out others or for whatever reason just too hard... also hubby and kids not vegan so there is food in the house that sometimes needs to be used before it goes off etc - waste is the greater evil I'd say! It does mean I have strange bottles and packets on the cupboard of things I barely knew existed a few months back. But it has been a fun journey and This is a cute spot to extend one's curiosity and, incidentally, really close to the MICE2014 venue, which could prove handy next week! 

This is raw and vegan. Healthfood cake - oh yea!

That is the coffee with coconut milk: subtle coconut undertones!

Don't Tell Charles

Don't Tell Charles
70 Speakmen St, 
Kensington 
Melbourne 3031
Web

I decided it was time I got back out and started blogging again - it is such a great way to sus out what is happening around Melbourne.

Today I chose 'Don't Tell Charles' in Kensington. This quirky cafes in a quirky location has made its own rules. I caught them early in the week when they are just focussing on take away coffees, but later in the weekend and the weekend it is all about the cake. Monthly high teas are hosted out back also.

Let Me Be Frank

Let Me Be Frank Cafe
217-239 Montague St, 
Melbourne 3205

This place is dear to my heart as it is where I rock up most days for my coffee. It is super laid back and chilled and the coffee (WILD TIMOR COFFEE) is awesome every time.
The airy interiors are stuffed with op shop funiature, curious trinkets and original art pieces. The delightful front courtyard is scattered with tables within surrounding herb gardens and even a kids sandpit.

An oasis in a busy inner-city 'burb!