Possibly the only complaint anyone could have had concerning stellar CBD cafe The Hardware Societe is that it was too small, thereby sometimes being far too busy for one to snag a seat. Well, your chances of being able to grab a Societe table have been doubled by the opening of Mini Marche.

Having moved into the shop next door that used to be a frozen yoghurt purveyor, Mini Marche is essentially an extension of Hardware Societe with a bonus twist: it’s also a foodstore offering up a variety of interesting, mostly European, treats and preserves for you to take home.

Alongside the regular Hardware Societe menu, Mini Marche offers an impressive array of pastries, which are displayed on a new, attractive coffee station. Order yourself a Padre coffee, and it will come out to you complete with a tiny sugared doughnut sitting in the bowl of your spoon.

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As for take home goods, there are plenty of sweet treats, including colourful French salted caramels, and chocolates that come packaged in art-splashed tins. Throw in some bottled goods in the form of cordials and olive oils, or perhaps something more special like chestnut puree, or proper Spanish paella rice. There’s even fresh produce with baskets of free-range eggs and a variety of artisan breads such as baguettes and brioche.

Take a little Societe magic back home with you in the form of a visit to Mini Marche. Although we really don’t recommend that you try to replicate Hardware’s famous fried brioche with your purchased loaf – some magic is best left to the experts.

Mini Marche

120 Hardware Street, Melbourne

(03) 9078 5992

Hours

Mon-Fri 7.30am-3.00pm

Sat 8.30am-2.00pm