Overview
In a week where sweet treats are already on everyone's mind, one of Melbourne's much-loved pastry heroes has gone and stoked the fire, announcing it's adding to the family with a brand-new store. And we don't have to wait too long at all for a first taste.
Black Star Pastry is set to open the doors to its third Melbourne outpost on Drivers Lane this Saturday, April 8, even coinciding the arrival with the launch of a new line of signature treats.
The Sydney-born brand best known for its cult Strawberry Watermelon Cake has settled into the former Money Order Office, where it's playing the building's heritage features against a gleaming futuristic store design by Studio MKZ. You'll recognise the designers' work from other Black Star stores including St Kilda and Sydney's Newtown.
Venture down the laneway and into a bright, bold hideaway, with a minimalist fitout that takes an unapologetic departure from its historic setting. There's a giant, halo-like light installation hanging above, a central island counter made of stainless steel, big custom fridges showcasing the goods, and a colour palette heavy on silver and white used throughout.
In honour of the shiny new space, Black Star has unveiled a new range of creations to be showcased here before anywhere else. Head on in to be among the first to try the pina colada croissant loaded with a creamy blend of caramelised pineapple and coconut, the petal-topped rose and pistachio croissant, and a chocolate and hazelnut number that's filled with a rich whipped ganache and garnished with delicate chocolate stars.
There's also a couple of savoury newcomers: the matcha ceremony with its kintsugi-style gold decorations and layered matcha filling, and the umami brioche that fuses punchy flavours of miso, bechamel and mushrooms.
Of course, all the usual sweet suspects will be getting a run here, too, gracing the cabinets alongside grab-and-go options like Japanese-style chicken pies, and ham and cheese croissants.
Find Black Star Pastry Melbourne CBD at Shop 4, 8 Driver Lane, Melbourne, from Saturday, April 8. It'll open 8am–6pm Monday–Thursday, 8am–7pm Friday, 9am–7pm Saturday and 9am–6pm Sunday.