“So what’s the name of the new place?” I asked. “Not Telling,” replied Verity Govett, laughing. Caught off guard, I paused for a few seconds, considering how I was going to write an article on this charming new cafe if the owner wouldn’t even tell me the name. “Sorry, the name of the cafe is Not Telling,” clarified Govett. “I had a few names in mind but whenever someone asked me I’d always say ‘not telling’. Then when I got to registering a name it stuck in my head.”

This windy morning, Govett, who until late last year co-owned Cup of Truth with Courtney Joel, opened the doors to her brand new solo venture. Located on Burwood Road opposite Hawthorn station, this cheerful cafe brings some much-needed charm and excellent coffee to the somewhat neglected strip.

After years of providing hundreds of commuters their morning cuppa at Cup of Truth (located on Campbell Arcade, the subway connecting Flinders Street Station and Degraves Street), there’s no doubt Govett knows how to make a great coffee. She’s using 5 Senses and a rotating single origin from Proud Mary, and Hawthorn locals are all the luckier for it.

With a small kitchen in the works, a more extensive menu will be implemented in the coming months. But for the meantime, there’s a tempting array of pastries and treats from Vue De Monde and more to come from Northcote Bakeshop.

The small space is simple, warm and welcoming. Pastel details and an optimistic hand-painted painted mural offset the pared-back white walls. Rustic timbers give the coffee counter a beautifully aged feel and works by local artists adorn walls.

Simple and charming, Not Telling is a spot that’s bound to attract a horde of loyal, daily customers.

Not Telling
63 Burwood Road, Hawthorn

Hours
Daily 6am–4pm