On a leafy little corner in Kensington, which at times can feel like a little country town despite being only two stops from the city, The Premises is proudly serving some of Melbourne’s best coffee. Alex Anderson and Kate Holloway, both long time coffee industry veterans (having worked at places like St Ali, Seven Seeds, Brother Buda Budan, Liar Liar, The Pound and Fandango), and their team of baristas are making truly excellent coffee using Seven Seeds. To accompany such delectable drops, Kate runs the kitchen serving up standout cafe fare. Highlights include the popular creamed corn with locally smoked bacon and the slow roasted pulled pork with Kate’s homemade chutney. In a comfortable, friendly and inclusive atmosphere that seems to permeate the café, the local community plays a strong role with produce sourced from nearby where possible.

While beautiful green Italian tiles form the splashback behind the long bar, striking vintage green lamps are set up as an appealing complement. The space is low key and inviting, perhaps the key to which is the fact that much of the furniture was built by Alex’s dad; including the bars, benches, tables and cabinets. As such, Alex and Kate have created an enjoyable spot that recognises and owns its distinctly polished homemade aesthetic.