Having been away for a few weeks I have been keen to get back to some normality back home. Thomas Street is near my home and boasts a big park where we love to go with the kids. A little further on there is a gorgeous little café called “The Thomas Street Grocery”. I have passed it a million times and finally stopped (I have vague recollections of reviewing this place many years ago, when it was Thomas Street Café?). It has a yesteryear feel, but inviting for that morning coffee after the kids have been dropped off to school. Certainly if you are a mum, this place is for you. My goal however is the coffee. I was greeted by a warm smile and when my Long Macc came out I was not disappointed. Respectable presentation., temp just right and a solid crema. I visited twice and got that consistent coffee package delivery. Interestingly, I think the lady behind the machine actually remembered what I had. Good darts, and one solid bean for them. Definitely worth the trip. I hear breaky is good here too.
Coffee: Genovese
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I have been past this place before but never stopped in, thanks for your post. It is great to hear from other people’s experiences…
Yup.. me to.. funny how little gems pass us by! Peter
We used to go to the Thomas Street Grocery quite frequently about 3-4 years ago, both for weekend brunch and sometimes lunch during the week. We have just moved back to Hampton but I have heard reports from local friends that the cafe is no where as good as it used to be (not sure if it was sold?) and they have not been going back! But after reading your reports I will definately go check it out for myself (esp coz its walking distance now!) and let u know how I go. Cheers!
Hi, My grandparents lived across the street and as a child I frequented the milk bar for the old fashioned lolly bags. I also did athletics at the track as a kid.
I owned Chives Gourmet Foods in Bluff Rd, Black Rock from 1996 to 2004, and in that time built the ‘Thomas Street Grocery’, gutting the old milk bar and giving the little gem what it really deserved. So proud that it is still running- great memories! I had the dream of building a contemporary but homely cafe, with the element of supplying the Hampton locals with fresh groceries like bread, milk, newspapers, butter, bacon and the classic old fashioned sweets for the ankle biters. And of course fabulous coffee!
I’m now living in Connecticut, USA and have to travel into SoHo, NYC to find a decent coffee in a cup and saucer!! I really miss Melbourne….and the great cafe culture! Oh, I can smell and taste the Genovese right now:) Happy Days, Deborah Golden x
Love reading about the history of this area guys!
This is a fantastic little place, I love the coffee here! And definitely get breakfast when you’re there next, it’s also great. Good to see this place get some recognition!