The industrial home of Lux Foundry that once produced stoves now serves your morning coffee and eggs.
Lux Foundry seamlessly blends into its industrial side street, nestled amongst the warehouse buildings off Sydney Road. The space, built in 1891, was once a metal foundry that later converted to the manufacturer of Lux stoves. As an Australian heritage site, the building’s facade has remained untouched, and the same goes for the interior. With a few of the original Lux stoves and vintage hardware incorporated into the space, Lux Foundry has achieved an authentic industrial chic atmosphere.
The Brunswick café has been in business for eight years and has become a local institution. But like any good stalwart of the hospitality industry, they keep their menu fresh and relevant with regular updates and seasonal modifications. The food selection is undeniably reflective of typical brunch cuisine, offering up standard fare such as chilli scramble, smashed avocado, French toast, and house granola. The menu is family friendly and simple, ensuring every diner will find something delicious to start their day with.
Unlike many cafes, the vegetarian options from the Lux Foundry kitchen are not an after thought: The leek and cheddar croquettes served with a cauliflower puree and salsa verde are one of their best selling dishes.
The current menu incorporates seasonal ingredients, with hearty, warming options such as the winter porridge, with poached spiced pear, steel cut oats, stewed rhubarb, almond walnut crumble, and seasonal berries. The pulled pork eggs Benedict, served over sourdough with a bacon crumble is another belly-warming brunch favourite.
With a focus on using local produce, the coffee is by Proud Mary and you can choose from their house blend or single origin. Ivanhoe’s Strada Bakery provides the gluten free bread.
We dined on a shockingly windy winter morning, however it’s not difficult to imagine that Lux Foundry’s massive front patio is sublime on a warm Melbourne day. Camp out on a bench table, Bloody Mary in one hand and fish taco in another, and you’ve got the ideal Sunday afternoon. Nonetheless, if you’re also caught in Melbourne’s version of a winter hurricane, the high ceilings and light filled interior at Lux Foundry are a great alternative to the sun-drenched patio.
Lux Foundry
21 Hope Street, Brunswick
Open daily from 7am-4pm
www.luxfoundry.com.au