Now Open: With Como Lane, Scott Pickett Has Brought Modern European Cafe Dining to South Yarra's Como House & Garden
Settle in for a long lunch or pass through for a takeaway coffee and pastry at this botanical cafe and community space.
Immerse yourself in history and flora at South Yarra's iconic Como House & Garden with the launch of a new European-style dining venue, Como Lane. Led by the Scott Picket Group (Chancery Lane, Estelle, Longrain, Longsong), this community-driven space combines top-notch cuisine and cafe culture with a program of cultural activities and workshops, serving as an extension of the surrounding estate.
Situated in the heart of Como House's grounds inside the former gardeners' sheds, Como Lane is reminiscent of storied Parisian cafes. It's set amid the property's botanical communal garden — which dates back to 1847 — and is a thoroughly charming addition to the estate, offering the ideal spot for meets with friends and family when the sun beams down.
Split between an inviting indoor setting and an ample al fresco space, Como Lane forges a strong connection with its surrounds. A seven-metre green tiled counter is a striking centrepiece, and pistachio green and beige rattan chairs surround white marble-topped round tables. Yet this refined space has been conceived with flexibility in mind, featuring a market-style grab-and-go concept alongside a sit-down cafe experience.
The menu is a nod to both classic cafe fare as well as Pickett's journey as a chef, with a number of dishes taking their cue from some of the chef's most well-known signatures. It's easy to imagine starting the day with breakfast highlights like buttermilk pancakes with stone fruit, whipped crème fraîche and lemon myrtle or chilli scrambled eggs with Longrain's signature XO sauce. For lunch, there's a thoughtful selection of fresh and toasted sandwiches alongside larger options like market fish with herb dressing; chicken schnitzel with celeriac and apple, horseradish and spiced butter sauce; and a classic Wagyu beef burger with fries. The menu showcases quality local produce, as well as ingredients from the surrounding garden.
To drink, expect beans from Merchant Coffee Roasters alongside hot chocolate, chai latte, tea, and a selection of cold-pressed juices. Plus, a charming retail space offers the chance to stock up on fresh flowers, jams, preserves and provisions made in-house and by local producers — or even just a grab-and-go pastry and coffee. Operating in tandem with Como House & Gardens, Como Lane will also act as a community space throughout the year, with flower workshops, high teas and other community gatherings already on the agenda for the space.
"We look forward to becoming part of the local community's daily routine," says Pickett. "Whether you're coming in for a takeaway coffee, a catered picnic in the garden, or settling in for a long lunch followed by a tour of the grounds, Como Lane will be a flexible venue with something for everyone."
Como Lane is now open Monday–Saturday from 9am–3pm and Sunday from 10am–3pm at 20 Como Avenue, South Yarra. Head to the venue's website for more information.
Images: Alex Squadrito.
