Anchor up at Yarra’s Edge’s newest cafe

Anchor up at Yarra’s Edge’s newest cafe

By Jack Hayes

When you think of the Melbourne café scene you instantly evoke images of laneways and converted shopfronts. You don’t think of riverfront and harbour views; that is, until now.

Anchor Eatery, located within the picturesque Wharf Club at Yarra’s Edge, is Docklands latest culinary destination.

Led by Nicholos Totos, well known for his popular South Melbourne Market offerings including Emerald Hill Delicatessen, Flour Patisserie and Small Town Pie Co, Anchor Eatery offers a contemporary dining experience with a healthy approach and European influence.

Mr Totos said he had been drawn to the riverside setting of the café space and believed it would make the perfect location for a bustling community hub, while complementing existing amenities.

“It is a unique opportunity to be able to offer a café on the water, so we have come up with a name that is relevant to the site,” he said.

“A lot of our South Melbourne Market customers live around Yarra’s Edge and Docklands and were singing out for more cafés in that location.”

“We are aiming to bring the village feel from the market to Yarra’s Edge, and we hope to enhance the sense of community within the neighbourhood, as part of the broader healthy lifestyle that the precinct offers.”

Much like the rest of Docklands hospitality industry, Anchor Eatery wasn’t immune to the crippling effects of a global pandemic.

Bound by restrictions in the Victorian Government’s four-square metre rule, Mr Totos has been forced to run at a lower staff capacity than he would like due to the intimate confines of his café.

“This period has been a lot quieter. We managed to stay open but we’ve been running as a take-away service only, which has meant we’ve been able to keep some staff on,” he said.

“It is tough because we were starting to develop a great relationship with Yarra’s Edge locals and workers from across Lorimer St.”

Anchor Eatery is in the process of returning to a dine-in café operation, and seats between 25 to 30 people indoors and out across a mixture of barstool and communal-table seating.

The cafe continues to serve daily specials, coffee, smoothies, juices and takeaway options such as toasted sandwiches and fresh pastries for breakfast and lunch.

“Anchor Eatery is a fluid concept maximising an interesting site – a collaboration of our experience in high-volume coffee and cafes,” Mr Totos said. “We are planning to tailor the offering over time to suit the Yarra’s Edge specific needs and we are looking forward to getting to know the community while we do it.”

Mr Totos said he hoped Anchor Eatery would become known for its healthy “grab and go” options, as well as its order-ahead picnic hampers and cheese or charcuterie boards to enjoy in the many Yarra’s Edge parks along the river.

Orders can be placed via text/email, or in person during trading hours. All orders need to be placed by 3pm two days prior. Pick up is available at Anchor Eatery or delivery can be arranged with a minimum $20 spend. Open Tuesday to Sunday 7.00am to 2:30pm.

For more information visit: ambientfoodgroup.com.au/portfolio-item/anchor-eatery

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