You know you are doing something right when you need to start thinking about a bigger car park. Drivers along Scoresby Rd in Bayswater must be doing double takes while rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the sudden influx of vehicles and pedestrians crossing the busy thoroughfare, all clambering to hop into the eastern suburbs purveyor of all things delicious, The Hatter and The Hare.
What started as a dream a couple of years ago has turned into reality for the team behind The Hatter, who simply wanted to offer their amazing High Tea on a more permanent basis. What was a kitchen warehouse is now a showcase space for delicious pastry, cakes, stunning breakfasts and, of course, scrummy coffee. All encased in a colourful and spacious Alice in Wonderland-inspired setting.
No element of the design has been left to accident, and the coffee service is testament to that.
A unique, custom black and white Synesso MVP Hydra stands proudly on the service bench, flanked by a matching Mazzer Robur E and Mythos One grinder – yet another indication of The Hatter’s attention to detail. Delicious batch brew offerings rotate weekly as does the retail coffee section, allowing locals to grab a fresh bag of their favourite origin while passing through. The barista work flow bubbles along consistently via a thoughtful setup utilizing the Pullman Chisel distribution tool and the Puqpress automatic tamper, as well as a vast mise en place devoted to all the spices, chocolates and surprises that make up the extensive beverage menu.
The menu’s dishes are quite simply dreamy, theatrically presented and playfully named after a key player in the Lewis Carroll classic.
Iconic Melbourne breakfast staples are given the Hatter’s flair via clever combinations of texture, colour, flavour and, of course, smoke. If you are eating in a group, expect to share – for there’s no doubt your dining partners will be eyeing off your selection. As an open fan of all things Bircher, I never need an excuse to order it off the menu, but for those who are yet to be converted, perhaps this will help …
So hurry, don’t delay. Every adventure requires a first step.
The Hatter and The Hare
1/21 Scoresby Road
Bayswater VIC 3153
Opening hours
Mon – Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Website: www.hhcafe.com.au
Instagram: @thehatterandthehare.au
Facebook: facebook.com/thehatterandthehare.au
Twitter: @hatterhareau
© Photos provided with permission by Emily Bartlett. All rights reserved by photographer.
