STN Northcote

The Verdict

Train station food doesn't get us too excited (beyond the odd 10pm potato cake). But now that STN Northcote has landed in Melbourne, we don’t know what to think anymore.

Smack bang in the heart of Northcote, STN was created by the guys who behind Workshop Bros in Glen Waverley. It was inspired by the London Tube, which holds a special place in co-owner Nolan's life (and explains the “Mind The Gap” sign on the floor as you enter...) Most people take misery from the Tube, not inspiration, so kudos to Nolan for seeing past the gritty air and hang-dog commuters. 

STN strikes a pretty sweet Melbourne-London balance, with interior nods to the iconic city’s style and culture (London, that is). Think clean lines, white subway tiles (appropriate, for once) and lots of baby pink goodness. There's a range of Ayomo juices on offer, plus sodas from Strange Love. The coffee blends are set on rotation, but at the moment the baristas are slinging a Vietnamese cold drip that's loaded with condensed milk (you can eat it with a spoon right out of the bottom of the glass). 

Now let's talk food. We know the usual brunch question is whether to go sweet or savoury, but at STN it's more a question of whether or not to play it safe or go all-out. If you're torn, we've got two picks that'll see you straight. The first is the slow-cooked beef cheek with rosemary hash, spiced cabbage, apple slaw, poached eggs and béarnaise sauce (absolutely delicious). The second is the red velvet pancakes with coconut meringue, freeze dried fruits, raspberry, white chocolate soil and mascarpone. They'll hit that sweet tooth craving right out of the park. All aboard the new Northcote STN. 

Image credit: STN Northcote