Mill and Bakery - Central Pier Docklands

Mill and Bakery
Shed 9 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands.

Baked Good: Apple and pecan crumble
Should you stay, or should you go?: If the sun is shining, spend the afternoon there.

1. Presentation - 4
2. First bite - 4
3 Texture - 4
4. Flavour - 4
5. How'd it make me feel after - 4
(1 - Not so much. 5 - This is fricking awesome)

Being near the water on a sunny day in winter makes you almost forget how cold and miserable the next few months are going to be. But that's one of the great things about Australia, the sun's always going to rise the next day. And with that, maybe just maybe Melbourne will have a sunny day. Or at least for a few hours. Because what better way to spend those few hours sipping coffee and munching on some fresh baked goods.

Away from all the tourists and hustle and bustle of the business district of Docklands lies Central Pier. And if you walk half way down you will find Shed 9 otherwise known as Mill and Bakery. With a comfy outdoor seating area overlooking the water to the warm smell of bread being baked inside. Grab a chair and watch as they bake all those little things that make you feel happy inside. The walls adorned with heritage prints and the odd maritime memorabilia here and there. Mill and Bakery is the perfect escape for a really good cup of coffee and an Apple and Pecan Crumble.

The crumble itself dates back to the Second World War when things like pastry and flour weren't a luxury. So left over breadcrumbs and oatmeal were used as a topping to what would have otherwise been a pie made with pastry. I guess something good came out of something bad.

The Apple and Pecan Crumble looked amazing, being served on a gold disk. A small chunk of apple stuck to the top with a glazed pecan for decoration. The crumble was sweet and almost melted in your mouth. The body of the crumble was soft and moist and complimented the perfect cup of coffee. It was over before I even had the chance to really think about how much I was enjoying it.

Overall the location is lovely especially when the sun is out. The cafe itself was welcoming and open and bright. The staff were happy and pleasant. The food all looked amazing and there was more than enough to pick from. This is one of those cafe's you wish you worked next door to, but glad you don't. For your waist's sake.

4 out of 5.