Melbourne’s lane way cafe culture is not just limited to the CBD. Taking its name from an ad for the first London cafe in the 1600s, The Vertue of the Coffee Drink is tucked down a small lane next to a petrol station in Carlton. In fact, it’s hidden to the point where there’s no visible signs of its existence from the street.
Housed in a converted stable, Vertue has made great use of the big open space whilst keeping element of its original use. The two storey-high ceiling of the main seating area is opaque, filling the whole space with natural light. A mix of stained timber furnishing and exposed brick add to the “modern barn” feel. This even extends to the seats which are cylindrical solid wood stools.
Seating is a mixture of small tables, benches along the wall and a large communal table upstairs in a loft-style room.
The food menu is a mix of all day breakfast and lunch options, but not the usual suspects. Chickpea chips, scotch egg, terrine, chowder and muffuletta (a popular deli-style sandwich from New Orleans) are just some of the many tasty choices on offer.
On this visit I ordered the eight hour cooked lamb shoulder with tabbouleh, baby broccoli, dukkah and tahini yoghurt dressing. The lamb was nice and tender and the rest of the dish provided well complimented flavours but needed just that little something extra. Presentation could also be tweaked a little.
Coffee was great with the house blend and not one, but three single origin beans available and all roasted on site, with the roaster being the centre point of the space. Both espresso and filter options are on offer.
A range of tea, juices, beer and wine are also available.
The Vertue of the Coffee Drink takes Melbourne’s thriving cafe and lane way cultures and brings them together in a quaint hidden venue with much to offer.
The Vertue of the Coffee Drink
8 Raffa Place, Carlton
03 8060 6987
http://vertuecoffee.com.au