First Look: Named After a Paul Kelly Song, Leaps and Bounds Is a Cheerful New Cafe for Albert Park

Albert Park’s new cafe is named after Australian icon Paul Kelly’s song Leaps and Bounds , which is a love letter to Melbourne.

“We chose the name because it’s our first venue together, that will hopefully leapfrog us into something more,” says Jack Franklyn, who owns the Bridport Street spot with head chef Mahesh Adhikari (both from the Only Hospitality Group stable), Daniel Dick (Nigel) and Bella Tzanidis.

The heritage-fronted building (formerly cafe No 84) has great bones. The new Scandi-inspired interior is light and airy – with stone-flecked polished concrete floors, pale oak tables and baby-blue accents.

Food-wise, the signature (and crowd favourite) is the Mustang Potato – a surprising mix of crushed spuds with red peppercorn, edamame and spiced labneh topped with sauteed kale, green beans, heirloom tomatoes and a tahini dressing. You’ll also find spicy, buttery Turkish-inspired eggs; buttermilk fried-chicken burgers; and thick-cut French toast.

And if you’re wondering what kind of tracks make the room buzz, the giant Dom Gauci Freddie Mercury and Beyoncé artworks should be a tip-off. A custom Paul Kelly piece may be in the works, too.

Leaps and Bounds
84 Bridport Street, Albert Park

Hours:
Mon to Fri 6am–3pm
Sat & Sun 7.30am–3pm

@leapsandboundsalbertpark