Glovers Station, Elsternwick

The Glover Station Tudor Revival building on Glen Eira road in Elsternwick has always fascinated me.  This National Trust registered building was built in 1935 and was originally a petrol filling station and repair workshop. As a local I drive past it often and remember the time when it was auto mechanics. Then one day construction began and I was quietly hopeful that something exciting was in the works.

And now finally after a long wait, Glovers Station has a new chapter to it’s story. Inside this old garage has been stripped back and transformed into an elegantly simple space designed with deference to the buildings original aesthetic. The forecourt area is made all the better by the addition of two jacarandas that will provide welcome shade in Summer and hopefully stunning purple blooms in spring.

I lunched there with a friend during the week and the place was bustling. The menu has a good selection of brunch style offerings with a few lunch options to keep things interesting.

I had the Semolina Gnocchi with seasonal greens and pumpkin veloute (which was like a super tasty pumpkin soup) that was poured over the gnocchi. The gnocchi was fluffy and it’s mild flavour was a nice counter balance to the zingy whipped fetta.

My companion had the Corned beef brisket roll which looked mouth watering and according to her, tasted delicious. I’ll be ordering that one next time.

I always like to snoop at what other people are eating and these dishes coming out of the open kitchen caught my eye.

I don’t drink coffee so I can’t report on that, but the baristas were doing a roaring trade so I’m sure it was good. I had a tea, which came in a pot so I was happy.

There is a start on a kitchen garden out back to supply their own herbs and leafy greens, and they source local organic and free range produce. The menu will change seasonally and I’m looking forward to trying it all out.

I was pleasantly surprised at the reasonable prices, especially for the quality of the food. The most expensive dish was the trout at $19 which is a bargain for this area where a run of the mill breakfast pushes $20.

The only down side is it can get a little loud when it’s busy, so head outside if you want somewhere a bit quieter to chat.

Can you bring the kids?
Yes, it’s family friendly and you’ll find me and my cohabitants here for weekend brunches. I suspect Saturdays and Sundays will be bursting at the seams with young hip local family types.
There is a small kids menu priced at around $6-7 for Bacon and egg on toast, Baked beans and potato on toast and Crumpets with honeyed yoghurt and berries.
High chairs are available and there is plenty of pram room. They don’t have any change tables but I was informed by a staff member that one is on it’s way.

Worth crossing town for?
Yes, but let the locals enjoy it first, it’s been a long wait to get something this great in Elsternwick. Of course I don’t want to share.

Glovers Station
258 Glen Eira Road
Elsternwick, 3185 VIC
03 9532 7765
7 days
7am – 5pm
gloversstation.com.au