Overview
After months of research, experimentation and taste testing (not to mention the Instagram updates that have left us all salivating), Shortstop Coffee and Donuts finally opened yesterday.
Partners Anthony Ivey and Sinye Ooi chose a small space down a side street off Little Lonsdale for their new venture, where the sleek glass and blonde wood fitout lets the simple menu do the talking. They do donuts and they do coffee — promising to revolutionise our perceptions of both.
Inspired by the simplicity of the American approach to coffee, and using a Market Lane blend, Shortstop has paired back their coffee menu to two options: white (with organic milk) or black (filter or espresso).
In contrast, their donut menu offers up innovative and, at times, totally unexpected flavour combinations. Choose between the honey and sea salt, the rhubarb and ginger, the red velvet with beetroot and dark chocolate or the Earl Grey tea and lemon myrtle with rose water icing (both pictured), or go all out with the Bourbon spiked creme brulee. Though ridiculously Instagrammable, these confections aren't just pretty on the outside; Shortstop has perfected their dough-making technique so not only will you find a faultless 'raised' doughnut with its classic fluffy centre, but more unusual varieties as well. Think cake donuts and French cruller donuts, made from handpiped choux pastry.
The word is already spreading about Shortstop. To avoid the queues, take advantage of their clever preorder service online the day before you drop in.
Find Shortstop Coffee and Donuts at 12 Sutherland Street Melbourne, 3000. Open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm.