The Farm Cafe at Collingwood Children’s Farm, Abbotsford

Summer is finally upon us! Even though it felt like winter just not too long ago. Whenever a trickle of sunshine sneaks out behind those thick clouds, everyone comes out of their shells and come to the shop for an icy cold beer. It’s amazing what the sunshine brings – smiles!

But for me, there’s no better way to spend a sunny beautiful day than at a nice cafe with a latte in my hand and eating a lovely brunch. It’s a bonus when there’s lots of animals to keep me company as well and I’m not talking about the customers. 😉 In fact, I like it even when the weather’s not so good.

I was lucky enough to have attended the Dairy Farmer’s premium yoghurt launch at the Collingwood Children’s Farm earlier on, and I loved it so much that I really wanted to bring Yuye here (or rather, I just wanted to pat some animals again).

Like always, it was difficult to find a parking spot but lo and behold I got lucky and found a P spot on the street.

It’s just a short stroll down to The Farm Cafe.

If you haven’t been here before, you’d soon realise that the cafe has 2 entrances. One to the eat in section from the outside of the farm, and one from the inside of the farm. You cannot cross from one side to the other.

Entry to the farm does cost money but since the Farm is not-for-profit, the entrance fee is basically like donations so that the farm can exist for the greater community and so the animals can be fed!

I loved the feel of the cafe. For one there’s a cow that stared at all the passerby right across it and it was just full of parents with young children or couples with their dogs enjoying a good day out.

Coffee was quite nice too. I wasn’t expecting too much since it all seemed like a novelty to dine here but it really surprised me at the quality of food and drinks. My latte and Yuye’s cappucino were both smooth and aromatic, a perfect start to our meal.

It should be no surprise that Yuye ordered the Farmer’s Breakfast ($18.50) as it has everything he likes – poached eggs, bacon, sausage, duck fat potato, baked beans and toast. What a luscious breakfast! I would have ordered this if he didn’t order it first.

The poached eggs were done just perfectly. Here’s your long awaited yolk porn. 😉

What I got was not my conventional breakfast as it was a cold dish but it just sounded very intriguing to me and I was so glad I ordered it.

The Ploughman’s Lunch ($17.50) has ham off the bone, house pickles, cheddar, apple, crispy pork scratchings, bread and butter. Sounds like quite a spread doesn’t it?

Everything on the plate was fresh and so well balanced. I loved eating a bit of juicy apple with a forkful of cheddar and ham. I fell in love with the dish instantly.

I’ve had pork scratchings before and I must say, I wasn’t too impressed with the previous ones as they tasted like pre-packaged stuff. This pork scratchings (or 1 huge one rather) was just great. It was crunchy and full of porky flavours.

I also couldn’t resist myself so ordered a poached egg with the dish but it really didn’t need it.

From the inside of the farm, you can also get coffees and nibbles from the cafe, although I’m not too certain about full meals.

Yuye and I obviously went into the farm and while he carried my bag, I went happily around patting and gawking at all the animals I saw. Like these goats. I’m sure they’re very sick of humans, especially ones like me…

I didn’t get to pat the pigs though because they were a bit far away.

Nor this sheep…it looks like it was wrapped in carpet!

And yes I took a lot of photos of chickens. They were really cool with lots of different types and colours. I didn’t realise just how beautiful some of them were. Look at that sheen on the features.

There was this peacock that was very eager to impress…

And ah…a few ducks that were eager for something else. Ahem. It’s that season afterall.

But most of all, I loved the lush vegetation and beautiful flowers. It smelt and looked of spring/summer.

I was a bit upset that I wasn’t able to pat my guinea pigs though, I was there sort of for that reason! But I didn’t realise it was an event for the kids…I just couldn’t bring myself to sit down and pat with them…

Although it wasn’t the best weather, we still had a great day and a great meal. I would definitely return here again when it’s nice and sunny! If you have young children, trust me they will love it. The Cafe caters well to children as well with their own food and drinks section on the menu that sound equally delicious.

The Farm Cafe
Phone: (03) 9415 6581
Collingwood Childrens Farm St Heliers St
Abbotsford, VIC 3067
http://www.farmcafe.com.au/