What do you get when you mix old-school hospitality with a serving of cool, inner-city hipster vibe, then add a dash of community charm on top? Laneway Espresso in Dromana.
The moment you walk through the entrance of this café, character will hit you in the best possible way from every direction. A friendly greeting starts off your Laneway Espresso experience perfectly. Regulars are all greeted by name and first-timers are instantly welcomed.
The choice of where to sit is plentiful as you are guided through a quirky mix of tables and chairs from eras gone by to find one that is home for you for the next hour or two. There is so much to look at. Vintage collectables hang on the walls, sit on the shelves and occupy display cabinets. Some items are also for sale. Regular customers love to contribute pieces from their own homes, making the space they frequent feel a little like their home of old. Many of owner Jim’s favourite pieces also furnish and decorate the café. Sentimental favourites of customers who have passed on remain in special areas of the café for family members and friends to feel close to while they enjoy their daily cuppa. “Many of our customers see this place as more of a home away from home than a café,” Jim said.
Upstairs has been renovated, with the space divided into cosy nooks, each with its own seating arrangement. Gather as a group around an old-fashioned large dining table or sit by the window solo, staring out to the bay and taking in the rays of light as you enjoy your morning coffee. Why work from home when you can bring your laptop in for the morning, enjoy breakfast and stay on for lunch? This inspiring space is bound to be your new favourite ‘home’ office.
Laneway Espresso also offers a colourful space for the little ones and parents to enjoy. Jim’s daughter has been the inspiration for much of the kiddies’ menu, including everyone’s favourite: fairy bread.
The amazing character doesn’t stop there. A jam-packed and well thought out menu offers all-day breakfast with specialties such as smashed pumpkins, croissant burger, Turkish poached eggs or chilli scramble to name just a few. Or there is the choice to build your own breakfast from a long list of items. Brunch spills into lunch with more on offer, including brioche french toast, chicken burger and corn fritters that will delight. Soup of the day is accompanied by a toastie, giving it an edgy character. It’s the simple touches like these that make Laneway Espresso unique and ever so likeable.
Coffee is taken seriously here, and the skilled baristas work almost non-stop due to the popularity of the Odyssey coffee beans, offering a delicious, sweet, full-bodied blend. Bags of coffee beans are also available for sale at the counter.
In a hurry? No worries. Takeaway drinks and food are available at the front counter, and it’s hard to walk past the colourful and tempting display of continental cakes found under glass domes made by Jim’s dad, Bill. Bright pink lamingtons, a scrumptious cheesecake and other delights will tempt you.
Since 2015, Jim, his family and his talented team have created a café like no other by bringing their own happy and passionate personalities and unique touches to the place. It is impossible not to leave without a satisfied appetite and a happy smile. Once simply won’t be enough to absorb all the character of Laneway Espresso in Dromana. Next time perhaps try a different dish at another table setting.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6.15am-3.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 6.45am-4pm
Laneway Espresso 167 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana P: 5981 4624
www.laneway-espresso.com.au FB: lanewayespressolittletreasures Insta: lanewaydromana