Crogals, coffee - impeccable design & that's the Crux of it.

Six months have passed since The Crux and Co. opened in Albert Park and became the hottest destination for food and coffee lovers all over Melbourne. Along with architect firm EAT, owner Kevin Li has created a gorgeous space, filled with soft textures, rounded curves and leather and brass accents.

But it’s the pastry case which catches the eye, filled with temptingly decadent French desserts.

Colourful macarons are lined up alongside glistening eclairs in a variety of flavours; matcha and passionfruit sit side by side with the more traditional chocolate or salted caramel. Then there are the pastries themselves – flaky croissants, escargot and crogels (a croissant and bagel hybrid) – all of which pair perfectly with a custom Five Senses coffee blend for a quick breakfast option. Or take the time to explore the Korean-influenced brunch menu where house baked squid ink toast or brioche are the building blocks for many of the dishes.

The crux of it all (so to speak) is the large commercial pastry kitchen, hidden to customers by the service kitchen, but just as instrumental in the success of the café.

It’s here that pastry chefs create the delicious concoctions which grace the pastry cabinet at the Albert Park location and its CBD counterpart, Crux & Co Patisserie. The equally gorgeous, albeit smaller, Little Collins venue offers a more streamlined service to meet the needs of the busy city worker. Grab a crogel and a takeaway flat white here during the week and save up your weekend vibes for a jaunt down to South Melbourne. You won’t be the only one, that’s for sure!

Website: thecruxandco.com.au
Facebook: facebook.com/thecruxandco
Instagram: @thecruxandco & @thecruxandco_cbd

© Photos provided with permission by Emily Bartlett. All rights reserved by photographer.