Any literature fan in West End would assuredly have a familiarity with Avid Reader bookshop. Those who frequently browse its shelves were saddened to see that its in-house cafe closed after 12 years of operation, but it hasn’t been long between drinks – a new concept has moved into the space, kicking off trading this week. Avid Kitchen & Garden is operated by Emily, Mia and Renee, three friends and West End locals who became enamoured with the idea of transforming Avid Reader’s cafe space into a welcoming hub for locals to eat and drink in private and peaceful surrounds. The trio gave the space a fresh lick of paint and added a few new pieces of furniture, while also sprucing up the space with a green touch and enhancing the plant factor in the venue’s rear garden. The end result is a rustic, home-style aesthetic that matches perfectly with the family-friendly vibe the store has cultivated.

Emily, Mia and Renee have taken inspiration from Avid Reader’s own vast collection of cookbooks for Avid Kitchen & Garden’s spread, which encompasses everything from nourishing salads to stacked sandwiches made from seasonal produce. Complementing the scrumptious fare is a range of treats from local artisans such as Alphabet Cafe and Danny’s Bread, as well as preserves from Ugly Duck, Westmont Pickles and raw honey from The Bee Yard. Much like the foliage in the garden, Avid Kitchen’s menu is set to grow over time, with the likes of ploughman’s plates and pickle plates becoming available in the coming weeks. Parallel Roasters has come on board to supply the coffee, while patrons can also sip on organic and sustainable tea from Melbourne’s Chamellia. That’s not all – soon enough workshops on fermenting, pickling, urban gardening and more will be available for interested parties to learn some tips and tricks.

Avid Kitchen & Garden is open now! We can’t think of a better place to enjoy a new book, so head to the Stumble Guide for more info.