The Premises

Firstly I found the staff rude, stuck up and dismissive, the menu was limited and the food over priced, then when I had my food the waiter came out and was super friendly to the 2 guys on the table behind me and listed specials that I wasn’t told about! I came here because I was really hungry and after paying $ 20 for my nicely displayed and yummy but small salmon salad I left hungry! My mint tea was made with fresh mint leaves but I still think for $ 5 for a few leaves in water that’s steep!

When toting a fussy tot on the go, I always long for friendly service and super fast food. The Premises did not disappoint. The barista ran to open the door for me and make room for my huge pram, whilst the waitress gave me some time to settle in but was efficient with taking my order when I am ready. The food came lightening fast which was a fantastic bonus.
There are so many yummy but healthy looking options at The Premises, but I am especially intrigued by The Premises hot smoked salmon with tea pickled egg. Back in Asia we often have tea smoked eggs or eggs marinated in tea so I was interested in The Premises take on it.
The salmon was beautifully cooked and was delicious with the creamy potato salad that came with it. There is also a served of sesame lavosh atopped with a salad of pickled tomato, radish and cucumber.
The sesame lavosh was delightfully crunchy and I even gave some to Bubs to munch on (unwillingly of course! It was so yummy!). The pickled tomato however was too sour!
The tea pickled egg was not what I imagined it to be, not good not bad, just meh. Nothing spesh. I would much preferred a good poached egg with this salmon.
With drinks, I am not a coffee drinker *ducks for cover* but I heard there are good coffee here. I chose the lemonade which was ok… It tasted more like a honey lemon drink I drink when I am sick more than lemonade with mint.
The cake cabinet tempted me OMB the way out but as bubs was starting to get really fussy I had to leave it for next time!

Gorgeous place for brunch with a fantastic vintage-​looking set up. The menu is great. I remember the French toast bring a gem. A wonderful spot!

This place has great coffee. An amazing assortment on offer. House blend is SevenSeeds with Shortbatch on offer. There’s a rotating menu for fans of non-​espresso cups.
The menu here is tiny and not overly inviting. Both times I’ve been it’s been an exhausting affair trying to tackle the sour dough toast. On the upsides the eggs were perfectly poached.
There are three main areas giving you a lot of options on where to sit. Along with a sweet as sweet display at the counter. Sweet treats are reasonably priced, the sit down menu is so-​so.
Staff are friendly and efficient. Over all a reliable place to go for early morning sessions.

Delicious as always! Each time I get the special it’s fantastic and this wasn’t any different. I went for the lighter chia pudding with house made granola. The staff were great, accommodating our group quickly then not minding when we stayed for over an hour. They happily checked in on us but we never felt rushed. Will be back!

Premises had been on my café to do list for a little while, since I’m constantly exposed to delicious pics of pancakes and French toast. For that reason I was a little disappointed with the menu. It was a little too different for me with none of the basics. I can appreciate doing something different and I’m definitely open to new things, but nothing on this menu appealed. I resorted to building my own breakfast, toast, bacon & avo only I was told that although avocado is on the menu it can’t be added as an extra. It’s strange to me but I respect their decision. But was left disappointed by the service and the experience.
I’ll keep an eye on the menu and maybe head back in once some of the yummier options make an appearance.

*Review incomplete
Five stars! Thought it was great.
Food, drinks, décor all wonderful.
Menu options incredible and all unique. I’ll have to return for everything.
Love it when you find new options on a menu that you would never think to put together.
This café is a must try!

What a marvelous place!
Very warm and welcoming. Friendly staff and great, delicious coffee.
Food was scrumptious and filling. So much variety on the mouthwatering menu, it was hard to choose. I will be back. But recommend.

Spacious & bright dinning. French toast was well flavored. Would try for other dishes.

Lovely café with windows floor to ceiling that add so much light to the interior.
I couldn’t find any plugs but I saw people working on their laptops so I assume there is a aourxw of electricity somewhere.
They have a very nice selection of cakes and the chocolate flourless cake was pretty amazing:))
The chair tea I ordered came served on a wooden minitray with a plate of honey. Adorable:)
Love this place.

Best French Toast in Melbourne. Always provide their own spin on classic dishes and great every time. Highly recommend particularly for breakfast

I realise that Melbourne has a lot of brunch venues, like LOTs of brunch venues but I also realise how difficult it is to get things just right too.
I ordered the Belair eggs, poached eggs with peas, ricotta on lebanese bread in a saffron butter. They were divine and even with my appetite inhibiting hangover, I ate every single morsel. I also ordered their filter coffee which came with a little note on where the coffee came from and how it is made (genius).
We all took away some baked goods for later which were just as delicious.
I will definintely return to The Premises on my next trip to Melbourne.

I only had a couple of hot chocolates here (one in a takeaway cup and one in a nice «drink in» cup) and both were absolutely delicious and very chocolaty!!! The atmosphere is very very nice and it is spacious enough yet somehow manages to stay cosy at the same time! There seems to be quite a nice array of food on display too and the staff are very friendly and helpful! I cant pick a fault with this place at all!

I’m always on the lookout for brunch venues that go beyond the usual, «big breakfast» and «eggs Benedict».
I’m glad to say that I have found one of those places, and it does it in an amazing amazing way. The staff were also very friendly and helpful in guiding us through a very exciting menu.
The coffee was excellent, and there is a nice outdoor area to sit and enjoy the «Kenso» street scenes.
I also understand they have a special on Sundays especially for those hungover folk. If it’s brunch you are looking for, and you are in the area, or even if you are not, give it a crack.

I’ve been here twice for takeaway coffee only. Both times I’ve found the staff to be incredibly slow making coffee. On the second occasion I had a 20 minute wait between trains and I was still pushed to make it because of their no-​hurry approach.
That said the staff are friendly. Just slow.

Great place. Love the locations and I loooooove the coffee.
This was one of my quick stops on the way out of Melbourne back into the country. I came here for a quick short mac and received instant service regardless of fact that the place was full to the brim. I had one of the window seats right next to a yapping little puppy that did not know how to be quite. I ordered myself a short mac and sat down to the beautiful day that Kensington had to offer.
I had my coffee within a few minutes and it was gone probably just a quickly. They use the seven seeds house blend here and it is delicious. The place has a great atmosphere and would be perfect for a weekend brunch. Sooo good.

Went there for late lunch. I had the lamb freekah salad and I highly recommend that. I also had the hot chocolate, and I would have to say that the hot chocolate is one of the best I’ve ever had.
My partner had the corned beef and potato mash, and I reckon that’s a miss. It’s a bit bland.
All in all, a good café, with a very good menu selection for breakkie and lunch.

I lived in Kensington for a few months and had coffee here every morning. We’d also buy bags of coffee to take home and make our own.
I really enjoyed having the Breakfast Sandwhich which has an amazing bbq house sauce, and the Bircher Muesli which is very light and fresh.
The best thing about this place, besides the coffee, is the staff. They really make you feel welcome.

Tash, Owen & co are very hospitable. Go during the week when there’s less ppl so you can have a chat with them. Coffee used to be on the weaker side (like a half-​strength brew) about a year ago, but is all rockin’ now!
They sometimes do a savoury French toast which was stupidly stupendous! You couldn’t eat it fast as the taste commanded respect & time.
Good ppl!

The Premises had been on my list of «must visit» cafes for a while, but I never found myself over this side of town. Until recently when I was headed to the Showgrounds and insisted that we pay a visit.
The bircher muesli was good, though not as good as my dining companions quinoa porridge with poached pears and seeds, which I’d go back for especially. The coffee was solid, and the selection of fresh Market Juices was perfect on a morning where we were feeling a little «delicate» (read: late night, too much gin).
Can’t wait to re-​visit and get through more of the menu.