Como Lane is OPEN! Euro-Style Café Opens in the Grounds of Melbourne’s Iconic Como House & Garden
The Scott Pickett Group and VenuesLive are delighted to announce the launch of Como Lane – a European-inspired café that has opened its doors in the grounds of Melbourne’s historic and beloved Como House & Garden.
Offering the same expertise and immersive atmosphere associated with Scott Pickett Group’s much loved Melbourne venues (Estelle, Smith St Bistro, Chancery Lane, Matilda and Longrain), Como Lane blends heritage with modern cafe culture, promising to hold a firm place in the hearts of locals and visitors for years to come.
Entered via grand iron gates on Como Avenue, South Yarra, the cafe is located in the middle of Como House’s expansive grounds, dating back to 1847 and owned and operated by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). European in look and feel and a charming extension of the rich heritage of the estate, Como Lane is reminiscent of a Parisian cafe that transports guests through a picturesque setting Como Lane is reminiscent of a Parisian cafe that transports guests through a picturesque setting.
“It’s an incredible honour to be opening a venue at Como House & Garden – such a unique part of Melbourne’s history and a cornerstone to the local South Yarra community,” says chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett.
“Como Lane is significant as our first full-service cafe from Scott Pickett Group; I’m excited to try something different. Our offering will be quality-driven while also welcoming. At the end of the day, it’s a cafe all about good food and community.”
Housed in the old gardeners’ sheds, the cafe is split between a cosy indoor setting and an expansive alfresco dining space, with a warm and inviting interior connecting to the rich garden surroundings.
“We’re thrilled to have Scott Pickett and his team bringing their expertise in hospitality and storytelling through food at Como Lane in what will be a charming cafe and an extension of the rich heritage of Como House & Garden,” says Collette Brennan, CEO of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
Como Lane is an extension of the successful partnership between the National Trust and events and hospitality company VenuesLive in collaboration with the Scott Pickett Group. The café will operate in tandem with the Como House & Garden events program as a hub for private and community gatherings, cultural activities and workshops.
Flexible in offering between a market style grab-and-go concept to an all-day sit-down cafe experience, Como Lane’s food offering is focused on high-quality fresh produce sourced from local producers and the estate’s very own garden. It tells the story of Scott Pickett’s journey as a chef, drawing inspiration from some of his most well-known and loved dishes while embracing elevated and approachable cafe classics.
Starting the day with breakfast, menu highlights include buttermilk pancakes with stone fruit, whipped crème fraiche and lemon myrtle; chilli scrambled eggs with Longrain’s signature XO sauce, a classic take on shakshuka, and a breakfast bowl with soft boiled egg, cured salmon, avocado, pickles, seasonal greens and quinoa.
For lunch, a variety of fresh and toasted sandwiches are available for dining in and takeaway such as a fresh salad sandwich with ranch dressing; roast chicken, lettuce and tarragon mayonnaise; to toasted classics like croque monsieur and a tuna melt. Those dining in for lunch can choose from a handful of main dishes including a market fish with herb dressing; chicken schnitzel with celeriac and apple, horseradish and spiced butter sauce; Wagyu beef burger and fries; and a wild mushroom and goats cheese quiche with a salad of endive, bitter leaves and grapes. As a family-friendly venue, Como Lane also has a kid’s menu.
Complementing the menu, Como Lane’s drinks offering includes coffee from Merchant Coffee Roasters, hot chocolate, chai latte, tea, and a selection of cold pressed juices from Market Juice.
Como Lane’s ever evolving grab-and-go offering will also expand to operate as a boutique market and retail arm of the cafe, where customers can drop in for a takeaway coffee and pastry, purchase fresh flowers, and select from a variety of jams, preserves and food items made in-house and from local producers.
As a popular destination for weddings and functions, the venue also offers separate catering packages whether it’s a 20-person private lunch, garden party, or picnic hampers for those wanting something extra special and to take in the tranquil setting of Como House & Garden. With a generous footprint seating up to 60 both indoors and outdoors, the cafe is bookable for all sorts of private events from hens’ parties, to weddings, and garden parties.
Como Lane
20 Como Avenue
South Yarra, Melbourne
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 9am to 3pm
Sun: 10am to 3pm
Website: https://comolane.com.au/
