Marmalade and Soul
Historic hotel gets a sweet makeover with Marmalade and Soul
Once the Old Homestead Inn, with its trademark windmill and then the Recreation Hotel, the heritage listed 162 Queens Parade in North Fitzroy has undergone some serious change over the years.
It’s now Marmalade and Soul, a café and bistro from Raymond Capaldi (behind Collins Streets’ Hare & Grace). Open Tuesday to Sunday, they’re also set to open for dinner in a couple of weeks.
On our visit, the place which has a country-style feel was buzzing. There’s a rustic floorboard, plenty of exposed brick, baskets of fresh produce, cans of exotic foods and buckets of foliage. They’ve up cycled too with light shades made from old cups and wooden spoons for the chandelier. The large communal with little dark stools balances plates of sweet thing.
The brekkie menu is definitely inventive. Try eggs on sourdough with Green Egg Béarnaise, baked eggs with figs, feta and sweet sour grapes or maybe a cornbeef and baked bean jaffle. For lunch, fill up on a cabinet sanger – perhaps the crispy prawn, pineapple and cucumber baguette or check out the main menu (divided neatly into composites, principals, accomplimains and desserts). Their wine list meanwhile features some impressive drops (mainly Vic, SA and NZ) and boutique beers.
Only moments from the Edinburgh Gardens and with a string of curbside tables, head here for breakfast this weekend.
Where: 162 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North
When: Tues – Sun 8am – 4pm
Details: marmaladeandsoul.com
