Federal Coffee is an alfresco café located under the iconic arches of the GPO building in Melbourne’s CBD. I’ve walked by it a million times, but somehow never managed to stop in for a bevvy or brunch. Until now. The venue recently revamped its menu and you can try it, for free. This Tuesday, 28 November, Federal Coffee is giving away 100 free crepes from 12pm.
The Plus Ones received a sneak peak of the new French-inspired with a Melbourne twist. The lure of Red Velvet and Golden Gaytime cone crepes was enough to rouse me from a Sunday slumber and brave the CBD on Black Friday weekend. 
After sampling two of the sweet treats, my plus one and I both agreed the Golden Gaytime took the, ahem, cake. Whist we were there, we decided to make the most of our CBD brunch experience and try a few savoury brunch dishes too. Despite its name, Federal Coffee’s strength is in its food (not its espressos). The café offers an all-day menu. Which is perfect for someone like me, who believes that mornings should never start before noon.
The smoked salmon pancake caught my eye and ordering it was the best decision I made all day. It’s a potato pancake base, topped with smoked trout and crispy bacon (earning my American friend’s seal of approval). Dill and sliced green apple freshened the flavours, horseradish crème fraiche added a little sour tartness, and a poached egg with pops of roe topped it all off. Fresh and filling! 
The venue’s alfresco location under the GPO building’s heritage listed archways makes it a solid CBD brunch option for out of town guests. With a spritz in a one hand and a view of the hustle and bustle of Elizabeth Street, it was a delight to discover something that had been hiding from me in plain sight for so long. Here’s to another ‘Marvelous Melbourne’ experience!
– Jenny
Jenny Schmidt is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling craft beers and dreaming of using her passport to travel internationally (and not just when she’s crossing the Yarra).
Federal Coffee is giving away 100 free Golden Gaytime cone crepes on Tuesday, 28 November at 12pm. Or try their all-day brunch menu any day of the week.
Federal Coffee
Shop 23/350 Bourke St
Melbourne VIC 3000
