The Higher Ground Crew Is Reviving the Royal Botanic Gardens' Historic Terrace Cafe

If you prefer to match your morning latte and brunch with some lush, leafy views, then you'll be all about Melbourne's new cafe project from the Darling Group. The owners of Higher Ground, Kettle Black and Sorrento's newly-revamped Stringers have taken over the lakeside venue at the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens, transforming it into an all-day cafe and event space.

Surrounded by greenery, the Terrace Cafe is set to open in October with a menu full of breakfast and lunch classics, plus grab-and-go options for the picnic crowd. There'll also be homemade scones — a nod to a much-loved offering from the site's previous life.

By Julian Lallo

In the adjacent space, you'll find function venue The Terrace, which will be available to hire out for picturesque private events and weddings overlooking the gardens. Each venue boasts its own indoor and outdoor spaces, with views across the grounds and the city skyline.

The project is a special one for The Darling Group's Nick and Chris Seoud. "Having grown up nearby, my brother and I were lucky enough to walk through the Gardens on our way home from school, often picking up scones from The Terrace kiosk," says Nick, the group's director. "To completely transform it and create a place for others to create their own memories is such an exciting opportunity for us."

The dual venture marks the site's first new occupancy since 1991 and will be Darling Group's tenth venue.

Find The Terrace and The Terrace Cafe in the Royal Botanic Gardens, corner of Alexandra Avenue and Anderson Street, South Yarra, from October.