MELBOURNE | Coffee Roasters Undercover Roasters began life in 2011, roasting high quality coffee in Bendigo to supply some of Victoria’s best cafes. They’ve expanded over the years, and late last year launched their flagship roaster and cafe in Abbotsford. I was invited in to take a look.
The large, former warehouse space is impressive. Tall ceilings, exposed brick walls, big windows, timber furnishings, lots of natural light, and greenery. There’s booths towards the front, the coffee station and bar in the centre, and tables and chairs behind. Leading off from the main space there’s the kitchen, a showroom for the coffee equipment that Undercover Roasters wholesale, and barista training and master-class spaces.
Clearly the focus here is on coffee, and there’s no shortage of beans and brewing methods on offer. There’s also house chai, hot chocolate, smoothies, and other hot and cold drinks (and booze). Lauren and I opted for a flat white and cappuccino, using their espressos blend, and two dirty chai lattes. The coffee is great, and I actually bought a bag of one of their Colombian single original filter beans that I’m enjoying on my V60 pour over at home at the moment.
For food, it’s an all day brunch menu featuring things you expect to find on a Melbourne brunch menu. Chilli eggs, fritters, burgers, toast with all sorts of options, you know the drill. I opted for “The Big Easy” – rosemary and cheese potato hash with smoked beef brisket, onion jam, kohlrabi and apple slaw, a poached egg, and hollandaise, with a side of fried halloumi. Great textures and flavours that Lauren and I really enjoyed.
Lauren went for the “Dessert For Breakfast” – Dr Marty’s Crumpets with poached peaches, strawberry compote, whipped vanilla and thyme mascarpone, and micro mint. Balanced and not too sweet at all we both really enjoyed it.
If you’re looking for quality coffee and good versions of “Melbourne” brunch dishes, then Undercover Roasters is definitely one to check out. A great addition to the area.
Undercover Roasters HQ
449 Victoria Street
Abbotsford
Victoria 3067
Australia
Telephone: 1300 665 799
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Sun – Sat: 7:00am to 4:00pm