Footscray Milking Station

OK so I’m biased, but I really love the way Milk Bar’s are being reclaimed into cafés all across Melbourne. It makes sense – Milk Bar’s are often built in suburban backstreets, away from the competition of the main drag and tend to foster a sense of ownership among the clientele (sort of like Milk Bar Mag, we hope.) And all this seems to be working for Footscray Milking Station, which opened a few weeks ago off the beaten track in Footscray.

Set on the corner of a quiet, tree-lined street only the occasional rumble of big rigs on their way to the docks reminds you you’re still in the big smoke and not in the country. FMS has ample seating outside front and back, and inside is a warm space of original exposed brick, vibrant greens and lots of plants. It feels homely. It’s also been open just shy of a week and is already very, very busy.

Besides breakfast and lunch FMS also sells a range of deli goods, takeaway milk, groceries and coffee, keeping a nice link to the buildings origins and function (sadly, no Paddle Pops.) Coffee is supplied by Padre via a shiny new Slayer machine.

Food options aren’t exhaustive but interesting – breakfast might be muesli, omelette panini or the breakfast bun (with bacon, egg, guacamole, tomato, spinach $8.50). Lunch ‘from the deli’ consists of panini’s, wraps and a quessadilla, while lunch ‘from the kitchen’ is spaghetti with pork and veal meatballs plus a daily special.

I choose the panini with pulled pork, pickled cabbage and caramelised apple ($8.50). The grilled warm panini (courtesy of Brasserie Bread) makes friends with the thick, gooey pulled pork, while the pickled cabbage gives a nice crunch and the apple adds a sweet note to affairs. It ain’t pretty but it does the job.

My friend opts for the gluten free, vegan quesadilla with grilled eggplant, tomato, sugo, rocket and basil ($9). The smoky bread was satisfying chewy in the generously stuffed sandwich, but could have use a bit more seasoning. Still, early days. And it tasted healthy.

I like Footscray Milking Station. And to be honest it’s probably serving better food than when it was a Milk Bar. This is one trend I look forward to more of in Melbourne.

Footscray Milking Station
35 Bunbury Street Footscray
9029 9240
Mon – Sun 7am – 3pm
footscraymilkingstation.com.au