Freelancer cafe offers a relaxed haven off Chapel Street to fuel your working day with fresh, wholesome food and good coffee
A few moments stroll from the Windsor end of Chapel Street you’ll find yourself at Freelancer, a cafe fittingly ensconsed at the front of Engine House, a co-working space for freelancers and entrepreneurs alike. Serving up ultra fresh and tasty food and delicious coffee, the vibe is surprisingly laid back for a cafe in the heart of a busy work space. Think more Byron Bay freelancer-cum-yoga-teacher than corporate office dweller.
Big windows bathe the cafe in natural light,wooden tables are scattered across the concrete floor, and high ceilings give the place a fresh, airy and welcoming feel. Take a seat in front of the window or if the day is fine, pull up a stool outside for some fresh air and people watching.
The menu at Freelancer is simple and well curated and appeals to your inner yogi with a healthy selection that oozes flavour.
Start with a hot drink while you’re perusing the food menu. I strayed from my usual coffee and ordered a chai latte on a chilly morning. The delicious milky aromatic drink warmed my core and set me up for a wholesome lunch. If you have a thirst to quench, try one of the bottled kombucha concoctions or fresh juices instead.
Skipping my usual eggy brunch-focused dish (which they do have on the menu), I opted for the bircher muesli which was generously sprinkled with toasted coconut and almonds, drizzled with a berry coulis and topped with caramelised banana. Simple and delicious.
The breakfast bowl was packed with broccoli, carrots, avocado, barley, kale and seeds and had a thick smear of beetroot hummus around the bowl that married the texture, flavour and aesthetic of the dish beautifully. My body thanked me for this later.
Also on the menu is Melbourne’s favourite dish, avocado toast, and a selection of pastries, eggs and daily specials such as soul-warming soup and gourmet sandwiches.
Got a sweet tooth? No problem. There’s a selection of sweet morsels in the cabinet that will go down a treat with your second coffee. Try the tiramisu slice or the dark chocolate mint bliss ball and enjoy it as you watch the world go by looking out of those big windows.