Cafe Profile - Brother Lawrence.

By Lyndsay Scott

Tucked inside Boom Gallery on Newtown’s creative Rutland Street is Brother Lawrence - a bagel slinging, light-filled cafe where coffee is a big deal.

Years spent across Geelong’s food scene (Sticks & Stones, A Spot For Joe) with a side of primary teaching and sneaking back in the kitchen on holidays, led Michael Lobbe to his purpose. He bakes with emphasis on the why - passion, creativity and community - akin to Brother Lawrence’s namesake,  the 17th century French monk who ironically, hated cooking.

If not made in-house, it’s by local, like-minded producers. Take the New York style pastrami in the Ruben Bagel - cured, smoked and steamed just for Brother Lawrence. The tangy cream cheese schmear and crispy capers shine on the Salmon Bagel and fear not, once you’ve fallen in love with these perfectly dense sourdough rings, you can buy a 3-pack to take home.

Serving Ona Coffee was a no-brainer for Lobbe with the Raspberry Candy blend winning the 2015 World Barista Awards. For the open-minded, order the Paragon - an extraction method allowing the true aroma to stay within the cup of coffee.

Pooches are welcome on the entry level amongst Dowel Jones stools, lush greenery and original artwork.