Classic British brunch fare and Melbourne cafe are probably two things you wouldn’t usually expect to see together in the same sentence. Let’s put it in the south-eastern suburb of Malvern and things just got a little interesting.
Recently opened Saint James is the brain child of two Brit mates who did the backpacker thing, never left, and decided to bring a taste of home to Melbourne; starting with the name which stems from their home town of Newcastle’s football ground.
The interior presents a clean and modern atmosphere with a mint green and white colour scheme, high ceiling, hanging light bulbs and white tiles surrounding the bar. The main dining space is split level and filled with small tables and bar seating along the front window. There is also a rear courtyard with more small tables and some four person benches on the footpath out the front.
Bringing the best of British to some Melbourne classics, the food menu is designed around all day brunch, lunch and sarnies (sandwiches). Highlights include Rob’s Black Pudding with polenta, chimichurri and a poached egg, Bubble and Squeak and the Saint Benedict, which is a take on the usual eggs benedict but with added pulled pork shoulder and apple. Some more substantial dishes for lunch include the lamb shoulder, cured ocean trout and Spanish mackerel.
The real magic lies in the sarnies, however. Meet the Fish Finger Butty. Battered market fish, crushed pea aioli, dill and cabbage salad on white bread. Simple, honest and damn tasty.
Coffee is an in-house blend by the co-owner’s newly opened roastery cafe Yorkshire Brewhouse in Collingwood. Rotating single origins are available as a French press. Soy milk, almond milk, Chai and teas by Chamellia are also available, along with a range of freshly squeezed juices.
Saint James combines some simple, classic British dishes with Melbourne cafe charm and sure to be a local favourite.
Saint James
1376 Malvern Road, Malvern
03 9078 8150
https://facebook.com/Saint-James-Cafe-1054128488015433/