Fifty-Six Threads Café

A charming local if there ever was one, Fifty-Six Threads Café forms the underside of a housing commission in Kensington – set up to provide employment and training opportunities to newly arrived migrants and refugees. AMES, the outfit behind the café, delivers on-arrival settlement support, English language and literacy training, vocational training and employment services through an array of programs in Victoria.

Striking paintings that were finalists in an art competition that AMES holds annually adorn the wall, while the constantly rotating specials on the blackboard bear testament to the diverse backgrounds of the many employees that have passed through Fifty-Six Threads’ doors.

The popular Israeli breakfast dish shakshouka sits alongside Middle Eastern braised lamb, an Ethiopian curry plate and falafels, while the magical catchphrase “all day breakfast” includes green eggs, crumpets and French toast. For sweet-tooths, there is a display cabinet full of all sorts of delectable homemade treats – the brownies were a particular highlight.

With STREAT social blend coffee and the opportunity to fund someone else’s meal through a “suspended coffee”, the two-and-a-half year old café takes its role as a social enterprise seriously.

But I’d be lying if I said the ethical aspect of the café alone appealed to me. Formerly a much-loved milk bar, Fifty-Six Threads Café has retained the charm of its yesteryears with an unhurried feel that is a rarity in the Melbourne cafe scene.

If you feel like enjoying lovingly prepared food amidst warm service and the dulcet tones of Depeche Mode and Tears for Fears, Fifty-Six Threads is a café with a cause that offers a space like no other.

FIFTY-SIX THREADS CAFÉ
56 Derby Street, Kensington
9376 6885
7.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday
ames.net.au
Photos by Louise Yates