On a corner of Beaconsfield parade sits The Victorian Café which opened earlier this month. Set inside the exuberant and grand Victorian Hotel, it boasts uninterupted views of the bay, artisan coffee, fine food and friendly staff.

At the helm of this landmark café is barista Sebastian Beard, who moved from his hometown of Sydney with ambitions to open his own café in Melbourne.  Joining Sebastian in the café are a circle of New South Welshman who bring with them their passion for café culture and their skills to make first class coffee using award winning Gridlock Coffee.

In the kitchen accomplished chef Jemma Doble, whose resume includes stints at Movida and De Clieu, creates a mothwatering and utterly satifying menu including a mix of breakfast and lunch dishes.

Try the grandmother ham, Yarra Valley goats feta, avocado, roma tomato and basil on thick sourdough toast or the fluffy USA blueberry pancakes with caramelised banana, maple syrup and whipped danish butter – simply divine. For something on the go, you’ll find a selection of freshly delivered pastries and muffins from Brasserie Bread to choose from.

The interior at The Victorian Cafe is sophisticated with black and white striped walls and a pressed tin paneled bar. A Victorian tiled floor, grand pillars and dining settings that look they belong outside a Parisian brassery all add to that coffee palace feel. Something that’s not true to the coffee palace ideal, however, is the well sourced wine list – this we are thankful for!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the bay all year round from the comfort of The Victorian Café.

Where: 123 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, Vic
When:  Mon-Fri 7am-3.30pm Sat-Sun 6.30am-3.30pm
Phone: 03 9686 3232
Details: thevictoriancafe.com.au