Jaye Ellam, Lady Lamington
Waking up in white sheets with the papers and a pot of tea ...
Elegant antiques, dainty cups of tea, modern French cuisine and a resort-style relaxed ambience – visiting Lady Lamington in Fortitude Valley transports you to another world where the finer things in life are celebrated and every day should conclude with a garden party, Marie Antoinette-style. As a pink hue falls gently over the skyline at dusk, with a century-old church behind you and a glass of Veuve Clicquot in hand, you can’t help but agree that owner Jaye Ellam got the combination right. With her grandparents owning the very first cafe on trendy Little Collins Street in Melbourne, it seems Jaye’s greatest success – Lady Lamington – was written into the history books well before opening earlier this year. The Weekend Edition sat down with Jaye to see what this French-loving, tea-drinking lady enjoys most about the weekend.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I love walking my dogs Tootsie and Max.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Waking up in white sheets with the papers and a pot of tea.
How do you like to unwind?
Yoga and Veuve Clicquot – not always at the same time!
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
The best ingredients, the dearest friends, cellared wine and lots of chocolate.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I am trying to get to the cooking school at the Spirit House.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Try new recipes and experiment with exotic produce.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
A new cocktail list for Lady Lamington.
What are you reading at the moment?
‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ by Gabriel García Márquez.
What inspires you?
People’s energy, food, travel and art.
What was your childhood dream?
To be Tom Cruise in Cocktail.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Opening my own business.
What is success to you?
Success is when you can reflect on achievement and set goals for growth.
What are your words of wisdom?
People mirror how you are.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … with Jamie’s coffee.
Relax … Sunshine Beach with my family.
Dine … at Harvey’s on James Street, New Farm.
Indulge … at Brows by Heidi.
Shop … at Calexico.
Catch-up … with my sister Angie.
Be inspired … by cooking at home with my partner David.
