Name: Old Man Drew
Item: Old Man Drew
Rating: 4.5
Author: Deborah Dale

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Deborah Dale

Thursday 13 February 20252025-02-13 19:03:02

Ambience

Moderate

Food

Service

I did not know about this place until friends mentioned they were going again.

They had been a few months ago and loved the food. One had commented not to order the cheesecake as it wasn’t good.

Well the atmosphere is superb, the garden is gorgeous.
The salmon delicious and I had the best piece of passionfruit sponge ever.

When I mentioned this to my to other friends they said they had the high tea a week ago and loved all the new delights.

Seated: Outside
Day of week: Sunday
Time: 2:00 pm
3 months ago
AmbientMenuEarBuds

Monday 2 September 20242024-09-02 18:15:10
Ambience

Low

Food

Service

I fell in love with this place the moment I stepped in. Their website explains the atmosphere very well, so I will quote that!

“A place where people of all ages can meet and relax, escaping the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The atmosphere is welcoming and calm with a distinct vintage charm. Choose to sit inside surrounded by exposed bricks, high ceilings, our favourite antique collectables and original plaster work, or outside in our dog friendly, sprawling vintage garden, complete with a working vegie patch. Other unique spaces include the original bluestone wine cellar and our glazed atrium.

Old Man Drew has so many hidden nooks you might feel like you’re the only one there. But we have created a whimsical new world for breakfast and lunch dining filled with contrasting decor and very different spaces filled with history, family heirlooms and community contributions.

The front of our shop boasts our most loved Australian products available for purchase. Our handpicked retail section is filled with condiments, gifts and delicacies that we lovingly source from both local and Australian business as well as our in house made produce. As a family run business, we understand the love and quality that goes into s smaller business and are always proud of retailing some beautiful products from all around our talented country.”

It is a great choice for noise-sensitive individuals due to its thoughtful design and various seating options.

Accessibility
– The cafe is accessible, with accessible toilets available and wheelchair access provided via the rear yard. This makes it accommodating for all guests.

Acoustics
– The cafe is designed with well-spaced tables, which helps minimize noise from nearby conversations.
– Soft, chilled music plays in the background, contributing to a calm and relaxing atmosphere without overwhelming guests with loud sounds.
– Despite the kitchen being busy, its noise is well-contained, so diners do not hear the kitchen sounds even during peak service.

Seating Options for Noise Sensitivity (there are several)
– Garden Area: For those who are particularly sound-sensitive, the garden area is an excellent choice. It offers open-air seating with plenty of undercover options, making it suitable even in drizzly weather. The garden area tends to be quieter, providing a peaceful dining experience.
– Courtyard between front café and rear garden: The courtyard area also maintains a low noise level, especially during less busy times.
– Dining Room: The private dining room within the cafe is another low-volume option, offering a more secluded and quieter dining environment.
– Downstairs Cellar: There is almost hidden downstairs cellar area featuring soft furnishings. This space is particularly quiet and offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who need a quieter environment.

The café area out the front is generally quiet but could reach moderate noise levels if fully occupied. However, the various seating areas allow guests to choose a location that best suits their noise sensitivity preferences.

The Food
We ate:
Ham Hock Benny: Slow cooked ham hock, served on house made hash browns, with two poached eggs, roquette, Hollandaise sauce, and green apple chutney.
Polenta Toast: Golden fried Polenta, with mushroom medley, kale (we swapped to spinach), two poached eggs, parmesan, and hollandaise sauce.

The portions were massive, the food was delicious. Don’t believe me? come and see it for yourself

I had the pleasure of speaking to Dorothy the owner. As you can see above, she created this place so there is something for everyone. You want a lively high tea? they have a room upstairs especially. You want relaxed conversation? There are so many nooks to share private moments in. I felt like I was in Alice in Wonderland, every corner I turned there was something unique and magical there.

Dorothy said there are many regulars here, which to me is a sign that not only the food is fantastic, but you feel welcome and leave wanting to go back (I did). There are also hard of hearing groups who choose to meet here because the team are so accommodating and inclusive. Dorothy says the they understand how to communicate with people who are hard of hearing, and have amended their service accordingly.

Old Man Drew cafe in Ascot Vale, Melbourne, is a charming, accessible, and thoughtfully designed space with various quiet seating options—like the garden, courtyard, private dining room, and cellar—making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive individuals and those seeking a peaceful, (and importantly) welcoming atmosphere where they have considered the needs of every possible patron.

Well done 👏
Seated: Courtyard
Day of week: Saturday
Time: 10:00 am
Aged friendly
Access friendly
Family friendly
9 months ago
@south.australia.vibes

Wednesday 14 August 20242024-08-14 09:12:42

Ambience

Low

Food

Service

Kindly reviewed by @south.australia.vibes 🙏

——————————————————–

Spent a lovely brunch at the charming @old.man.drew cafe in Ascot Vale during my recent visit to Melbourne. 🥐☕️

The cozy, rustic interior design is so inviting, with a mix of exposed brick walls, hanging plants, and comfortable seating across multiple rooms. Perfect spot to relax and unwind over a delicious meal.

The menu had so many enticing options, from classic breakfast dishes to lunch favourites. We settled on the Brioche French Toast, OMD Vegie Fritters and they were so tasty 🥰 For drinks we got the Cranberry Spritz and the Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice which were both delightful. The service was friendly and attentive as well.

If you’re in the Ascot Vale area, I highly recommend checking out Old Man DREW. It’s the perfect neighborhood cafe with a warm, inviting atmosphere. You’re sure to leave feeling satisfied and eager to return.

Thanks so much to @adi_photographer91 for accompanying me, it was a pleasure to meet you. And thanks to the staff at @old.man.drew for the invitation and lovely hospitality 🫶

9 months ago

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Old Man Drew

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