From humble beginnings operating a coffee machine from the boot of their car, to the newly renovated billowing canvas sails that now shade Melbournians as they enjoy the surrounds, Pip and Tom Hay started not only their relationship but a partnership for life that would see their passion for food and saving the Children’s Farm from financial destitution, creating one of Melbourne’s favoured eating spots.
The duo, committed to bringing tasty ingredients to life through a vision that went far beyond the packet of biscuits and plunger coffee they were told to serve eight years prior, has seen two volunteers realise a dream of a lifetime.
Taking their donated coffee machine, ebay cold display fridge and a very idealistic view of saving the iconic Collingwood Children’s Farm, the pair eventually accepted an offer to lease a space from the farm and were able to carve a cafe around the old dairy kitchen. A birth and two consecutive rebirths of the space, it now proudly houses Melbourne’s duly lovely ‘The Farm Café’.
The transformed cafe now sees industrial cobalt-blue lights looking down over a long superb Victorian ash coffee bench, raw and milk washed timber in farmy blue hues, while quaint traditional blue and white crockery, all individually collected by Pip, sit calmly bench-side, testament to a time gone by. The result is an interesting blend of rustic and it’s absolutely charming.
Their food philosophy remains true to the farm’s heritage; quality ingredients, which are passionately prepared by hand in their tiny kitchen, from the most respected local producers.
The menu is simple farm food with that bit of old English nostalgia (think bubble and squeak, pork scratchings, ploughman’s lunch, homemade HP sauce and freshly baked scones). Yarra Valley smoked trout, Dench organic sourdough bread, Gamekeepers free range Berkshire bacon, Cherry Tree organic beef and Daylesford and Hepburn Spring sparkling drinks form the foundation of the range of these wholesome ingredients. Select from a full breakfast menu, to delicious lunches in the beautiful surrounds of the farm and a dedicated kids menu.
Here to stay, it’s fair to say that the inspirations of two individuals has shaped the fabric of the farm and Melbourne’s social landscape for generations to come. A respected undertaking through some difficult times, Pip and Tom are committed to continuing to bring food lovers and farm goers a tasty food offer.
The Farm Café is open Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday – Sunday 8am – 5pm and also offers catering for kids parties and functions at the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
Visit The Farm Café for more information or just visit the Café.
