Header image: Victoria Smart.
The crew behind CBD’s beloved Peter Rabbit and new hot spot Bloom has opened yet another popular café: The Lockwood General in Burnside.
The new spot sits in a heritage-listed building, in what was formerly an 1800’s general store called––you guessed it––Lockwood General. Co-owner Adam Robinson says the location inspired not only the name, but also the space’s close-knit feel.
“All of the owners are really into reactivating spaces within the community,” Robinson says.
“We tried to recreate the general store vibe in the Burnside suburbs with small batch, house-made pickles and preserves.”
The aforementioned pickled vegetables and jars of preserves and jams will be available for purchase in the café, and they’re also incorporated throughout the dishes. The menu, which has individual brunch offerings and share plates, features a house-made eggplant relish on charred Turkish bread, and a shared burrata with homemade pickled apricot jam.
The café––which also has its liquor licence––weaves the general store-inspired products throughout its cocktails as well, with one drink flavoured by apricot jam.
Other favourite dishes include ginger bread granola with puffed grains, quinoa, yoghurt, honey and homegrown marigold leaves (a dish Robinson describes as a “warm hug from nanna”), and chunks of avo on seeded rye with whipped feta, black lime, macadamia, and green chilis.
The fit out also conjures up an old-fashioned general store, but with a very modern upgrade. It has shelves packed with ferments, coffee, liquor bottles, and knickknacks, and a sleek wood bar.
“It’s a mix of a subtle homage to its history and clean minimalism,” Robinson says.
“It’s a heritage listing that we’ve dragged kicking and screaming into 2021.”
The space was designed and renovated by first-time venue owner Robinson and hospitality heavyweights James Lambert of Bloom, and James McIntyre and Jack Nelligan of Bloom and Peter Rabbit. Lambert is the venue and front of house manager of Lockwood General, and Robinson is the head chef.
“I’m excited for my first venture, and I’m lucky to have had the boys and their experience for support throughout,” Robinson, who met his business partners through working at Peter Rabbit years ago, says.
In the next few weeks, the first-time business owner plans to add more grab-and-go takeaway options for kids, parents, and teachers of the local schools.
They’re also looking at expanding their hours, which are currently until 3pm every day, later for early drinks.
Follow Lockwood General on Instagram here.
Find Lockwood General at 35 High Street, Burnside.
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