The Allotment, which sits just off the M1 at Reedy Creek, isn’t your typical cafe. The owner is UK-born chef Simon Capewell, the former executive chef of The Langham Melbourne who has worked the knives in numerous five-star kitchens across the world. Simon’s humble eatery boasts a breakfast and lunch offering that is reflective of his culinary pedigree yet remains very approachable for locals on the hunt for something a little different. The thing is, Simon gets bored easily – which is music to the ears of local foodies because it means his menu is fluid and will change regularly, with new dishes added fornighty depending seasonality of local produce and, well, whatever he feels like creating for you.

At the moment you’ll be welcomed with breakfast dishes like Middle Eastern eggs with sumac, hummus and flat bread, Boston beans with a fried egg, and an avocado and citrus salad with fetta and poached eggs atop sourdough. Come midday, you can stick your fork into a cured-salmon open-faced sandwich with a petite citrus salad or up the ante with the likes of a simple-yet-tasty sourdough Reuben sandwich or a beef-brisket croissant with slaw, kimchi and Japanese mayonnaise. Leaf & Berry beans from Melbourne’s Seven Miles roasting house are pouring, which can be accompanied by an almond croissant or a decadent brownie served intricately with chocolate soil.

Keen to check it out? Head to our Stumble Guide for The Allotment’s location, opening hours and contact details.