Millstone, Malvern

In the last twelve months or so, a few new local cafes have opened their doors.  One which has proven extremely popular, judging from the ever present crowds, is Millstone.  The café is named after Arthur Ebbott, who ran the first mill and grain stores in the area.  The pastry chef at Millstone, Alice Wright, trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.  After reading that, how could I pass up trying some of her delicious pastries?

My opportunity to visit Millstone came one morning when I was working from home.  Being a weekday, and still quite early, it was easy enough for me to get a table.  I was greeted on arrival by a very friendly counter assistant, who told me to take a seat anywhere in the light-filled café. 

I started with my usual weekday pick-me-up, a skinny flat white coffee: 

 
You cannot believe how welcome my morning coffee is on weekdays, and it sets me up for the day ahead.  Millstone's coffee was just right, and served in a cheery blue cup and saucer.

I didn't want a fancy breakfast, so I ordered what I often make at home for myself - poached eggs on toast:

 
This was not just any old toast, but a lovely sour dough.  And thankfully, the eggs were perfectly gooey inside:

 
I enjoyed this simple breakfast, which was brought out very quickly and efficiently by the friendly wait staff.  The only thing that would have made it better is a smear of chutney on the toast, like I have at home.

Of course, I had to buy some pastries for take out.  I bought this apple brioche ($4.50): 

 
The buttery layers of bread were topped by a slice of baked apple and sprinkled with cinnamon.

And best of all, they started bringing out the patisserie items just before I left.  I chose a salted caramel, hazelnut and rhubarb dome ($9):

 
Here's a peek inside:

The brioche was nice, but this was devine!!!

I will definitely return to Millstone, but I think I will wait until my next working from home day so that I don't have to battle the crowds in this deservedly good café.

Millstone

10a Claremont Ave

Malvern VIC 3144

Ph: 03 9509 0789