The latest addition to relaxing but lively North Melbourne neighbourhood comes in the form of what might appear to be a cafe but takes the bold step of not offering coffee. Mörk Chocolate Brew House is exactly as the name describes, a brew house for chocolate. Just chocolate.
Found in many cafes around Melbourne and beyond, Mörk has become synonymous with good hot chocolate and it seems only right that they have their own establishment.
Hiding behind a historic red brick facade, the interior of the brew house is a complete contrast with a clean and refined space filled with a mix of white walls, light brown timber and gold coloured metal fittings throughout. The front doors open onto the counter and bar area with a communal table and just a handful of small tables to one side. In busy times, a waiting period is almost to be expected.
The menu is simple and divided into a few different categories of chocolate beverages. There is the house hot chocolate available in four varying percentages of cacao, water based chocolate which includes the intriguing chocolate soda and signature chocolate drinks which combine chocolate with other ingredients such as custard, caramel and even smoke – found in the popular Campfire Chocolate.
A small selection of cakes, slices and chocolate foam drinks for the little ones are also available.
On this visit I opted for the original dark hot chocolate which is 70% cacao. The hot chocolates are prepared in milk pitchers and with what appears to be a steam wand, coloured gold of course, coming out of the bar. This somehow results in a magical, evenly foamed drink that has just the right amount of thickness. Like coffee, cacao beans also have their own unique flavours and these are brought out in these quality hot chocolates.
Mörk has taken a bold move with the concept of chocolate-only venue, but their established brand and dedication to quality chocolate has resulted in a wonderful new addition to the ever growing North Melbourne area.