Overview
Finding the neighbourhood roast chook shops of your childhood seems like it's getting harder and harder. However, those living in the inner south — or those ready to travel for a good meal — will be happy to know that Hawksburn Village's latest arrival, Carvery, is a new go-to spot for roast meats, fresh salads, takeaway rolls and ready-made meals.
Leaning into the nostalgia of local takeaway shops from the 70s and 80s, proud owners and Hawksburn locals, Andrew Bayley and Michael Perri (4 Cousins Supermercato) pair this concept with simple, fresh and high-quality produce. So, if you've been missing the heyday of roast chicken takeout, the duo's reminiscent offering might just satisfy your long-held cravings.
"We were inspired by the carveries we grew up with that were such staples to the community, such as the Toorak Carvery that used to be out the back of the Toorak Village Car Park," says Bayley. "Most Australians have memories of those roast chook dinners our mum used to pick up or a take-away roast roll with gravy. We wanted to replicate that feeling of nostalgia, but dial up on the fresh, quality produce and deliver it in a beautiful setting with Carvery."
Primed for takeaway or dine-in feasts, Carvery's permanent menu places a spotlight on Victorian produce, with occasional specials looking further afield. Of course, the bain-marie is the main event, as Bannockburn chicken is presented alongside Otway Pork, lamb from the Western District and Tassie, and Black Angus beef from the Goulburn Valley. For maximum convenience, there's also roast meat dinner packs served with salad or veggies and chips.
When you need a quick feed, Carvery will also serve up roast rolls made daily in-house — like a roast roll with gravy or a porchetta roll with crackling — with plenty of hearty sides, from hot chips and seasonal veggies to scalloped potatoes with cream and cheese. Meanwhile, the salad bar is full of classics like Med salad and slaw, while a special highlight is the Stonnington Chop — Carvery's take on a chop salad. In the fridge, find grab-and-go meals like lasagne, eggplant parmigiana and traditional tiramisu.
As for the design, architectural studio Nisk Design has shaped stools and stand-up benches for 18 guests, with old-world checkered tile floors, warm timber panelling and marble benches combining with European-inspired staff uniforms and disco tunes. "As Hawksburn residents, we're so excited to bring Carvery to the neighbourhood, opening the doors to locals as if they're walking into their own family kitchen," says Bayley. "We want to be your neighbourhood go-to for a nourishing meal that conveniently feeds the whole family and doesn't break the bank."
Carvery is open Monday–Friday from 10am–7pm, Saturday from 9am–5pm and Sunday from 10am–4pm at 513 Malvern Road, Toorak. Head to the website for more information.