Old Man Drew, Ascot Vale

A relatively new but cool and quirky café on the north side of Melbourne is Old Man Drew in Ascot Vale.  Old Man Drew combines a café with a shop selling gourmet foods and gifts, and a glorious garden out the back.  It also comprises a number of different rooms, all kitted out differently, so you can eat in an atmosphere that suits your mood that day.

Here is a shot of the front of the café, looking out towards the shop and counter:

These are a few of the goodies for sale in the shop:

Old Man Drew has a delicious selection of cakes on display in the front counter, which changes daily:

I have visited Old Man Drew twice.  The first time, my friend V and I were seated in a spacious, cathedral-like atrium garden area:

All of the tables are prettily dressed with vases of real flowers, and flowers and herbs are used to decorate the food and even the water jug:

I ordered the chicken 'n bre sandwich ($20) - I subbed out the Turkish roll for sourdough, which was filled with chicken, brie, lettuce, avocado, lettuce and cranberry sauce, and decorated with edible flowers:

V ordered the chilli scramble ($18) - chilli scrambled eggs with baby spinach, parmesan and aioli on garlic bread:

On the second occasion, we sat inside in a room with a downstairs suitcase, with this sitting room next door:

I just love the quirky wallpaper and the "Sherlock Holmes" feel of this room.

Our table was decorated with this beautiful vase of flowers: 

As much as I loved the chicken 'n brie first time around, I decided to try the Schnitzel roll ($22) on my second visit:

It looked different to what I expected, but in short is a brioche roll filled with chicken schnitzel, Asian slaw and aioli.  It was delicious but very filling.  V had the chilli scramble again, so I think that speaks volumes about how much she liked it.

Here is a chair in one of the other rooms, replete with a tapestry cat cushion:

Out the back, there is a beautiful garden, where you can also sit if you desire. On our first visit, it was a glorious sunny day, which helped us to make the most of the garden: 

Old Man Drew has great food and a fun atmosphere - it is highly recommended by me.

Old Man Drew

359-361 Mt Alexander Rd
Ascot Vale VIC 3032

Ph: (03) 9375 4024