Three Bags Full: A Melbourne Café Delight

Three Bags Full café was a buzzing café that Tomoyo and I stopped at on our way back from Yarra Bend Park and another delightful spot, 8 Murray Street.

Opening in 2009, it is self-advertised as “a family owned café with strong ties to the local community”. The café was definitely in the full swing of things by the time we stopped in, which certainly made it feel like a big family gathering.

The interior looked to be split across a few rooms, with our time being spent in the entrance takeaway area.

On this particular trip, I grabbed a cheeky homemade cacao ball (we were on the way to homemade Korean BBQ), but they openly published a gallery of their menu for you to wet your appetite before making a booking.

It’s an all-day brunch kind of café based in the historic Denton Hat Mill, and one worth putting on your list for your next trip to Abbotsford.

I ordered a small latte and a protein ball to take away. Alongside croissants and cookies, Australian cafes often have protein balls too.

The coffee here is really good.

The protein ball had a distinctive coconut texture and was delicious. (Protein balls are very hit and miss, so finding a good one makes me twice as happy.)

The interior is completely my taste. A series of abstract paintings in the same style hangs on the brick walls.

The tables, the lighting, the logo: everything is tastefully done.

I didn’t have time to sit in this visit, but the brunches being rushed out to tables looked irresistible.

Apparently the kitchen changes the menu regularly and serves dishes made with carefully chosen ingredients.

Braised pork shoulder, smashed avocado, crispy duck leg confit… just looking at the menu makes me hungry.

There was a queue of people waiting for a table that day too.

It was opened in 2010 by Nathan Toleman, who also created famous Melbourne cafes like Top Paddock and The Kettle Black. The owners have changed since, but it keeps its creative, uniquely warm and cosy feel, and it’s a hugely popular brunch spot.

Next time, I’ll take my time and enjoy it inside.