Theodore’s brings a little bit of foodie flavour to Brunswick with a mixed business snack bar, deli and refreshment service all in one. 

Theodore’s, a cosy ‘mixed business’ snack bar and refreshment service has opened in Brunswick, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the inner-north. The food menu caters to non-specific meal time offerings that’s a little bit deli, a little bit tuckshop and things you might find from street vendors worldwide. A place where it’s never too early for a glass of wine and never too late for a coffee.

Tucked away in a quiet backstreet of Brunswick close to the hustle of Sydney Road, Theodore’s is the brainchild of Lily Stokes and Henry Brooks who have a combined effort in hospitality of over 30 years. Having recently become parents to their son Teddy, they felt it was now or never to take the leap into starting their own businesses.

“We’re a family-business run by us,  plus on occasion, our little namesake, the man himself, Ted. The motivation for Theodore’s stems from a genuine love of delivering exceptional, personable and professional service. We may not be saving lives but we can certainly strive to make each and every guest’s day a little bit better,“ says Lily.

Sustainability is the other main focus at Theodore’s. All food and beverage offerings are local, seasonal and responsibly sourced. “Our menu is 80% plant-based. Any vegetarian or animal products are locally and ethically sourced, as this is the most sustainable way to eat. We plan to preserve seasonal produce to be used all year round using recipes handed down from Henry’s mum, demonstrating methods pre-refrigeration and transport can actually increase nutritional value and health benefits,” adds Lily.

Theodore’s local focus extends into the staff tees which are all printed locally by Brunswick based Anti Future Print Services on ethical tees designed by local studio, Weekday Design. Alternatively, staff are encouraged to wear any other tee promoting a local business or bands.

At the helm of the kitchen is head chef Andy Maybury who is no stranger to a busy lunch service, coming straight from the kitchen at Rudimentary. Having embarked on many food orientated trips, Andy’s modern Australian menu draws influence from cuisines across the world. The snack, brunch and deli menu is reflective of what’s best available from local suppliers including family operated Northside Fruit and Veg.

Standout items include ‘The Pretzel’, served with fresh horseradish cream and house dill pickles as a snack or filled with creative combinations as a sandwich for brunch.

If your stomach is rumblings, the ‘Buffet Brunch’ is a more substantial – and upmarket – take on your traditional continental hotel breakfast. Think house made yoghurt and seasonal fresh cut fruit, a bread basket including toast and a pretzel, a selection of savoury items like seasonal fresh vegetables, pickles, ferments, cheese, cured items, condiments and a mini pancake stack with fried eggs.

From 5pm onwards on Thursday to Saturday, Theodore’s offers a ‘dinner time’ service which offers three meals that are quick, nutritious designed to be served straight up or to takeaway on a night when you don’t feel like cooking. If you opt to sit in, make sure to pair it with a delicious glass of wine or beer from the line up of local

You daily caffeine hit is by Coffee Supreme and joined on the drinks list by mimosas on tap, a rotating local beer tap, tins from the abundance of independent brewers and a domestic vegan wine list from small, local producers. And if wine is your tipple, make sure you make it along to Theodore’s Afternoon Wine Club Kicking every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm for a foray into local and rare wine.

Originally a fish monger’s warehouse, the 60 year old site was re-designed by Breath Architecture to create a home-like atmosphere, with personal finishes made by Lily and Henry including a wall length mural, custom built deli display for the bar top and the custom built coffee booth. Timber-lined booths and an open kitchen with bar eating occupy the main space and make for a bold dining experience in a relaxed setting. And if your pooch is your favourite dining companion, there’s a small dog-friendly courtyard at the front of the building that’s perfect for people watching from.