Brother Alec

Overview

Part cafe, part convenience store, Brother Alec is where you can pick up a carton of free-range eggs and organic, fairtrade coffee to take home as you order a handheld hangover buster and an iced batch brew for right now.

The team opened the Thornbury eatery in 2011, and Jess, Malia and the rest of the hospo crew pride themselves on the family welcome they impart on everyone who wanders by. Brother Alec also caters, so you can feast on the vegan club, or ham and cheddar ciabatta rolls during your team meeting or family get-together.

But we suggest sitting in and ordering one of the HLAT sandwiches — halloumi, rocket, avocado and tomato – that's just as salty as its bacon brother, but a little healthier. It's so popular the team can't take it off the menu.

Image: Katie Wilton.