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Abbotsford locals, we’ve got news. A very Euro-coded spot to settle in for a coffee, sandwich, Spritz or long lunch has landed, with an all-day ethos and a very promising team. Open now at Abbotsford Convent, Bar Familiar is bringing good coffee and seasonal plates to the historic site – here’s what we know so far.
The new venue comes from friends and co-owners Alessia Augello and Stephanie Lane, who have spent years working within the Convent precinct. The pair previously worked at Cam’s Kiosk, the much-loved venue that occupied the space for 17 years before closing in June. When Cam’s Kiosk closed, Augello and Lane saw an opportunity to create something of their own – keen to retain the sense of familiarity that gained Cam’s its following. According to the team, that feeling of familiarity is quite literally baked into the name. The idea is for Bar Familiar to feel comfortable, welcoming and – crucially – the kind of place a community can make its own.
In the kitchen, former Cam’s head chef Alisha Grant is also back, serving a seasonal menu inspired by classic European food, with a focus on generous, unfussy dishes. There are daily sandwiches made with fresh Baker Bleu bread, including mortadella with mustard, confit garlic aioli, pickled fennel and cos (pictured below), and a vegetarian number with pepperonata, Sicilian olives, stracciatella and salsa verde. Sold.
The all-day menu runs from breakfast into lunch, with sesame bagels topped with Brillat-Savarin cheese and soft egg, braised borlotti beans with soft eggs, and a braised greens, provolone and Grana Padano sourdough toastie. Later in the day, you can tuck into vongole and mussels with chilli and garlic – Euro-summer style. The pastry counter is also stocked with fresh bakes from North Melbourne's beloved Austro Bakery.
For now, Bar Familiar is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm, with a select menu available over opening weekend before the full all-day offering arrives next week (from Wednesday 23). Evening service is planned for late October, when the drinks list will expand to include a playful wine selection, classic cocktails and a selection of local and international beers.
There’s room for 70 people inside, plus another 40 on the verandah. Group bookings for up to 12 will be available in the Main Dining Room, with reservations opening from late October and walk-ins welcome. Keen? You can learn more and book over here.