First Look: With Field Day, Warrandyte Finally Has the Cosy Cafe It Deserves

Warrandyte, in Melbourne’s north-east, isn’t exactly overrun with destination cafes. But among the pottery shops and health food stores, you’ll find Field Day. The bakery and cafe, located one street back from the river, is a great spot for those looking to perch on a stool and read a book with coffee. And, on sunnier days, it’s an ideal spot to pick up sandwiches and house-made pastries to enjoy by the water.

The light-filled space – formerly Floyd’s Deli – is the work of partners Lewis Lotherington, a home cook and photographer, and Ali Barnes (ex- Allpress Coffee and former owner of now-closed Elsternwick cafe Wishbone).

The menu is compact with a focus on country bakery staples such as house-made sweet and savoury baked goods, and unfussy sandwiches. Current highlights are warm baguettes filled with tender lamb shoulder, confit garlic and whipped feta; and a veggie option with roasted broccolini, parmesan cream, and pistachio and basil pesto.

The couple will soon serve comforting soups for the tail end of winter and will introduce rice bowls once the weather warms up. Coffee Supreme anchors the espresso menu, with a rotating cast of guest roasters.

The offering is rounded out by house-made baked goods such as gluten-free Basque cheesecakes, loaded focaccias, caramelised apple pies and Monte Carlo biscuits, as well as loaves and croissants from Warrandyte-based micro-bakery Sourdo.

“From the incredible mid-century architecture to the friendly community, all backed by the powerful yet soothing Birrarung running through the town,” Lotherington says the suburb has inspired much of the cafe’s fit-out and aesthetic. “Warrandyte is so idyllic and easy to fall in love with.”

The light-filled space holds a Scandinavian blend of minimalism and warmth, with shelves stocked with dried flowers, pickles and curated homewares from online store Myers Market. And custom-made furniture, wooden stools that become tables, and hand-scribbled menus add to the relaxed, cosy vibe.

“We get told ‘this is exactly what Warrandyte needed’ at least once a day,” says Barnes.

Field Day Pantry
2A Webb Street, Warrandyte
No phone

Hours:
Wed to Fri 7am–2pm
Sat & Sun 8am–1pm

@fieldday.warrandyte