Gatekeeper

The Verdict

Beaumaris is a suburb that unless you grew up there, you’d rarely go to unless it’s for a swim at Rickett’s Point. Now, there’s another reason to head bayside, with the opening of new café, Gatekeeper.

Gatekeeper comes from the mind of Lee Eman, who established well-visited Mordialloc café Hendriks five years ago. This new café is on the site of the former village newsagent in the area Lee grew up in, realising his dream of one day taking over the space.

Gatekeeper’s menu is looked after by head chef Tayne Akyalcin—formerly of Hendriks—and has a uniquely Australiana feel to it.

Expect hints of native ingredients in dishes throughout the menu, like charred corn fritters with pumpkin, and saltbush jam, or the Vegemite madame, an Aussie take on the French classic.

Gatekeeper is perched in a strip of shops, so is the perfect spot to take some time and relax over summer.

Image credit: Ben Tyers