Deep Thornbury

The Verdict

Deep Thornbury was born like many great ideas, over a few beers. Or as founder Rhys calls them, "Denzel Frothingtons". Rhys is definitely our kind of guy. 

What started as a joke between mates—the idea of a business that makes nothing but potato cakes—quickly developed into a full-blown concept when Rhys couldn’t let go of the joke. So he road-tested the idea and started serving up homemade potato cakes at house parties (we all know drunk people are honest people). Having trialled his idea for 8 months, it was a hit, so he took to the market scene. 

Now Deep Thornbury dishes-up loaded potato cakes all over Melbourne. 

So, why the name 'Deep Thornbury'? Rhys and his mates grew up in Thornbury, but felt pretty far removed from the hipsters on High St. So they created their own suburb—Deep Thornbury.  

Now let’s get to the important stuff, the potato cakes (never 'scallops'). We asked Rhys what he believes is the key to the ultimate potato cake.

"If we’re talking about just the potato cake, it’s all about the crispiness of batter vs fluffiness of potato ratio,” he said. Well tick—the guys have nailed that.

As far as toppings are concerned, Rhys isn’t looking to hide the potato cake, he wants to enhance it. “They’re pretty great on their own, we don’t want to spoil that. It’s all about adding a little something extra.” 

His menu recommendation is the smashed avo with bruschetta and basil (“The vinegar taste from the balsamic offsets the saltiness”). Deep Thornbury also have vegan options—they’re currently exploring vegan halloumi – and there could be a gluten-free potato cake on the cards soon (fingers crossed).

Rhys reckons the halloumi potato cake is another fan favourite, but the crew at Deep Thornbury will let you mix and match whatever you like from the menu. Remember, they’re here to make all your potato cake dreams come true. 

Where will you find these guys? They post regularly on their Facebook and Instagram, keeping you in the loop with which markets you can find them at. Or better yet, you can have them cater your next event. Just shoot them an email. 

Image credit: Sammy Green

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