The Hardware Societe, Melbourne

Sleep-ins. They are not supposed to exist in the Empty Fridge holiday schedule. Not even when your flight arrives Melbourne at 10pm and your roam the streets until you find a wine bar than make friends with a bottle of red until 4 in the morning.Why are sleep-ins the enemy? Because in most cases they make you miss the breakfast menu.

I love sleep more than anything but when in a different city where there are streets to roam, I feel a bit guilty for not being out and about. This shits Demos to tears and this is the reason why we have never had a "relaxing" break. I try to fit in as many activities as humanly possible. 

After few late night cheeky drinks at our favorite Melby rooftop bar Siglo.. we stumbled back to our temporary hotel home and ready made bed. I already had my heart set for Breakfast at Hardware Societe.

And then the unthinkable happened. We didnt forget to deactivate our alarms. There were no noisy hotel neighbours. The curtains blocked out sunlight. The pillows were ridiculously comfortable. We slept in, and I missed my Hardware Societe breakfast menu. 

After a short stroll to Hardware Lane, we found that 11:59 am was close enough to midday so ordering some of their sweet homemade ciders were totally acceptable. A glass of pear and another glass of apple - these ciders were so refreshing. We were able to miss the early breakfast crowd and perch ourselves on the barstools by the busy kitchen.

As this was a weekday, Breakfast was on from 7:30 am to 11:30 and then its lunch all the way to 3pm. Now try and say no to an empanada on a chilly morning.

The empanada of the day had my name on it.. Chorizo and Feta - I forgot all my "missing the breakfast menu" woes. 

The pie of the day was a thin and hearty lamb and pinenut pie. The pastry flaked off after everybite and was without a doubt the breakfast of champions.

Its a bustling little place and for every table that left, another group hustled on in. Despite the bustle and the modern decor, I found Hardware Societe to be such a warm little place in the heart of Melby CBD. It's a treasure trove with something to smile about displayed on every nook.

The front display cabinet is a cave of wonders and holds a treasure tray of colourful macarons. The savory pastries we had were a hearty serving and being in Melbourne you have to plan a visit to a minimum of 5 eating places a day..we needed to play it smart and save room.

Just chillin in the middle of the street in the middle of winter.

Drop by for Breakfast or if not, try a lunchtime visit. Avoid sleep in's if you want to attack the Brekky menu as lunch starts at 11:30 - either way a visit is a must.  Hardware Societe is tucked away in Hardware Lane and of course you can walk non stop from anywhere around Melbourne after you enjoy a hearty meal (yes, even in my heels). Its a great way to start your Melbourne day right to take you to that evenings escapade, which ever bar you end in.

The Hardware Societe
120 Hardware St Melbourne, VIC
Phone: (03) 9078 5992

Other Recent Melbourne Faves:
Brother Bada Budan
Mamacita
Fog Bar and Restaurant