Shaking up the cafe scene is the new kid on the cafe block, Denis the Menace brining a playful persona and cheeky charm, paired with serious hospitality to Cremorne. Tucked away in a converted up-cycled warehouse on Chestnut Street, Cremorne, the venue has been entirely made of reconstructed materials collected by owner operator Adam Wilkinson (one of the creators of Prahran’s St Edmond’s) who is focusing on sustainability.
Sitting on some reconstructed apple crates among an internal forest made up of cumquat trees, diners will be able to see Denis’ Barista Damon Glover donning a Wootten apron made from hemp and organic cotton and brewing Seven Seeds coffee for the masses. Diners can also treat themselves to an endless supply of sparkling filtered mineral water using the best water pitcher, for after the coffee hit.
The licensed 100pax café has been designed by eco-architect, Simon Cookes from Duckbuild, who has created an environmentally friendly space with solar panels, recycled timber cladding and all the playful trimmings of one’s youth.
Chef Simon Neale can be viewed in the open kitchen preparing his cleverly crafted menu, overseen by Charlie Goldsmith. The menu, which embodies the playful sprit of Denis the Menace, opens with quick and easy options such as fancy toast, running late roti, or a super start.
Secondly, options include an ‘Avo, we’ve met before’, a ‘Watashi Wa Dennis’, or a ‘Big green food fight’. Not forgetting about meals for those with mini humans, you’ll also find simple pleasures like the ham and cheese toastie. Thirdly, Denis the Menace offers lunch fillers such as ‘A bowl full of yum’, a ‘Kind of like mums’ or a ‘Mr Wilson’ sandwich, which will be sure to attract hoards of Cremorne corporates.
Staying to true his environmental message, Wilkinson sourced hundreds of old Carlton Draught bottles for water glasses and will serve crockery from Kilman in Bendigo and vintage ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ sugar bowls on all tables. While in the verdant courtyard, worm farm complete with 1200 worms are busy doing their bit for Mother Nature.
Staying true to ‘adults doing kids things’, the courtyard tables host old board games and Lego houses.
In four weeks’ time, Denis the Menace will also be on wheels, offering catering to the local 3121 area on cargo bikes.
Denis the Menace
106-108 Chestnut Street, Cremorne VIC 3121
Ph. (03) 9428 8010
Opening Times – Monday to Friday 7.00am to 4.30pm and Saturday to Sunday 8.00am to 5.00pm
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