Hive Newstead

Newly opened in Newstead, The Hive is one of those neighbourhood venues that’s a little bit of everything. Part cafe, part bar, part casual eatery, part takeaway haunt, even part co-working space, this once industrial warehouse invites one and all to become a part of their hive, whether you’re in need of a quick caffeine hit or a long leisurely lunch. 

Behind the roller door of the cavernous space on Masters Street, you’ll find a mix of seating areas, with massive wooden picnic tables on astroturf on one side and casual bar seating on the other. Quirky decor comes in the form of vintage motorcycles from owner Richard Cave’s own collection perched on the walls, an abundance of greenery and an actual tractor of all things—a nod to the venue’s commitment to using local, farm fresh produce. 

With a menu spanning from the early hours of the morning right up until evening, here you can tuck into a fruit-topped ricotta hotcake or avocado, haloumi and sauerkraut on soft sourdough for breakfast, or come by for an afternoon snack of arancini balls and Thai fish cakes topped with mango. The afternoon and evening menu is designed to be shared, with a selection of small dishes you can mix and match to pair with a glass of wine or a local craft beer. 

For those with puppers, the shady laneway outside is designated as dog-friendly, and the kitchen also has plans for takeaway picnics that you can cart off to your favourite riverside spot. And for those with no time at all, the coffee cart out front is slinging St Ali brews every morning. 

Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine