Journal
| Where | Shop 1, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 3000—View map |
Contact | 03 9650 4399 |
Website | — |
Open | Monday to Friday 07.00 am to 08.30 pm Breakfast until 11.00 am |
Payment | Cash |
Diet | Check with venue |
Seating | Inside |
Kids | Welcome |
Pets | Unwelcome |
Simple breaky by the library
Snuggled in front of the fabulous City Library in Flinders Lane, Journal has that intimate inner city buzz that makes you feel all cosy and welcome. Friends meet for a quick but classy coffee between appointments or nearby CAE classes. Culture wafts right through the place. The gorgeous Art Deco interior fits right in with the laneway setting, which, in the 1920s, was a hot spot for burgeoning artists.
There are a few small tables with not-so-comfy seating near the windows, if you want to sneak a peak at the activities of the street, but, Journal is best enjoyed by sidling up to stylish inner city types at a bench or a communal table. Pull down a newspaper from the classic library-esque bookshelves that hover above, and wrestle for room as you unravel a broadsheet between cuppas.
The eatery has recently expanded upstairs with the bustling Journal Canteen now delivering Italian antipasto and dessert for lunch on weekdays. Downstairs though, the original Journal kitchen also has a rustic European feel, making a feature of pastries that sit casually on the counter.
A modest chalkboard breakfast menu offers no-fuss toasted sandwiches as the main attraction. Thankfully, these are a step up from the average cafeteria-style toasties. Made with crunchy crusty bread, they come drizzled with virgin olive oil and filled with tasty cheese and tomato or ham. Have 'em plain or topped with a poached egg for that extra breakfast touch. The eggy ones each come with their own tasty side of tomato relish or lush pink onion jam.
Other staples include toast and crumpets (just the way Mum served them) as well as muesli with fruit compote and yoghurt. The bruschettas are a bit more adventurous with pear and ricotta, or avocado with lemon.
The chai tea experience is a pleasure to be savoured here. It comes on a tray of goodies including a pot, a bowl of honey, an extra jug of milk for regulating strength, and, most importantly, the strainer has an accompanying saucer so you won't dribble tea all over the table.
Journal is all about the experience, interior and location (and of course the great coffee). Breakfast is for people on the move-on the way to work or in between classes. It's back-to-basics food, and it ain't bad either.