With the world’s most prestigious cycling event in full swing (and an Aussie in prime contention), we think it fitting to bring you something old-school bike themed – Northcote’s under-appreciated Penny Farthing Espresso, a rustic conspicuous little café on High St.

With the title, owners and brothers Simon and Trevor Simmons pay homage to the late Hubert Foggart, a Penny Farthing enthusiast whose 1891 world record attempt to reach the highest top speed on the big-wheeled bicycle was denied official recognition.

The place has a homely, down-to-earth vibe. The self-renovated space absorbs a large communal in the front room, a scattering of wooden tables and a courtyard. Eye-catching is the ancient metallic steampunk bicycle in the window and Penny Farthing figurines.

So after a long, slow ride up Rucker’s Hill, settle in and crush an appetite early with the avocado and feta smash on Dench organic sourdough or bircher muesli with fresh-cut banana and seasonal berries. Made-to-order sandwiches (fillings include chicken and a housemade mayo, celery and walnut mix), stews and soups grant pedal power for the trip home.

Recently celebrating their first-year anniversary, the boys decided to diversify and develop the café’s core attributes, launching dinners from Wednesday to Saturday. Dishes burst with local, seasonal produce and offer two serving sizes: a ‘penny’ (large) or ‘farthing’ (small, for sharing). They range from seared scallops with pea and sage puree to waifer-thin smoked duck crepes.

The cafe has also started serving beans from its own off-site coffee roasting operation, Industry Beans, a move likely to cement their reputation for some of Melbourne’s best cuppas. That includes a range of specialty single-origin coffees, which you can also take home.

Add to this a select list of coffee-based cocktails. Using the same brewing methods, each flouts a unique unity between coffee, spirits and liqueurs. Down a few ‘Penny Farthing espressos’ – with Fernet Branca, Kahlua, PFE blend double ristresso, crème de cacao, cinnamon and egg white – and you’ll stay bright-eyed for some serious late night Le Tour watching.

Where: 206 High St, Northcote
When: Mon-Tue 7.30am-4pm | Wed-Fri 7.30pm-late | Sat 8.30am-late | Sun 8.30am-5pm
Phone: (03) 9482 2246
Details: pennyfarthingespresso.com