All accompaniments are made on the premises. Image courtesy Hops Scotch and Beans.
When I arrive at Petrie Terrace's newest offering
Hops Scotch and Beans for lunch, roasting coffee beans are sending a delicious plume of scented smoke into the air. I later learn this is because
Hops Scotch and Beans comprises the primary roasting premises for partner
Louie Louie Coffee Roasters. This onsite roasting process makes for some real full-bodied flavours - I had one of the best lattes I've enjoyed in a long time here. And pleasingly, staff were cognisant of the heat and humidity outside on the day, bringing a welcome jug of iced water, unbidden, to my table the very second I sat down.
Hops Scotch and Beans. Author image.
The menu offers laidback, barefoot brunch-style items from 7am to 2pm. I tried the jamon (ham) and manchego (cheese) quesadillas with cream avocado and lime ($15.50) which was more substantial than it looked and really hit the spot. Also on offer are items such as avocado on toast with dukkah and goats milk cottage cheese ($13), red quinoa salad with grapes, pecorino, sunflower seeds, petitas and honey dressing ($16) and the breakfast roll comprising two poached eggs, bacon, watercress and hollandaise on a brioche bun ($13.50).
From 3pm, share plates take centre stage, featuring such goodies as pulled pork sliders with house fries ($16.50) and Spanish meatballs with pepperonata and crusty bread ($12.50), while small plates like chicken drumettes with chilli coriander aioli ($8) and house fries with wasabi mayonnaise ($7.50) also come into their own. All accompaniments are made on the premises, from the chilli jam to the mayonnaise. The owners recommend trying the lime and chilli and the wasabi mayonnaise when you grab a serve of fries.
Red quinoa salad. Image courtesy Hops Scotch and Beans.
The other dimension to this multi-faceted venue is the bar selling (as the name suggests) local tap and bottled beers and a range of whiskies. And stay tuned for further developments, such as the transformation of the carpark out back into a beer garden. Could there be any greater bliss than this?
Ham and cheese quesadillas hit the spot. Author image.
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