A cafe in a hotel; we can almost feel your interest wane & your eyes begin to wander BUT Hub is something different. Yes, it’s inside the chic Hotel Urban St Kilda (a top ten placer in Trip Advisor’s trendy hotels in Australia 2012) but this warm modern space with stripped back floors & white washed art ridden walls has a standalone feel.

General Manager Roger Fowler is not unfamiliar to the dining-in-a-hotel scene (he was involved in Circa at Prince of Wales amongst others) and designed Hub to have an entity of its own. “The aim is for it to stand out and not get lost within the hotel attached,” he said. Mission accomplished.

Communal tables are perfect for larger groups or huddle in front of the fireplace under the story wall, a topical piece where staff have placed items of meaning, including a life sized replica of a fish Fowler caught and some works by local artists. Peruse the selection of second hand books from nearby Bookhouse, yours to purchase or simply flick through whilst sipping your Genovese coffee.

Chef Christine McCormack’s morning menu covers the breakfast basics well with eggs most any way and smoky char grilled bacon served with buttered Zeally Bay bread from Zeally Bay Sourdough Organic Bakery in Torquay. Stand out options include the house-made crumpets with lemon and honey, or the cinnamon porridge with caramelised pears and an oat crumble that will have you never consider plain porridge again. Heartier lunch options are offered, desserts too.

Where: 35-37 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
When: Mon-Fri 6.30am-5pm | Weekends 7.30am-5pm |Public Holidays 8am-3pm
Facebook: facebook.com/hubstk