Mountain of Bears

It has taken me way to long to come to this place — but now that I have — I love it. I love it long time.
Ormond used to be a bit of a sleepy hollow. It was where shops come to die. Slowly but surely, it’s enjoying a bit of a resurgence. Jimmy Grants helped. Mountain of Bears seals the deal.
Their coffee is good. Smooth but robust. The interior features lots of scandanavian wood and ironic pop art. The staff are friendly and have global accents. I often have to pinch myself to check I am not in Fitzroy. Nope, I’m in the Deep South. At the end of a dodgy looking laneway next to trainline where there are some second-​rate solicitor/​drug shop fronts next door.
But what fills my heart with joy are the selection of New York style bagels. You can get one toasted with cream cheese, peanut butter and all the usual jazz — or you can go savoury delight. Go savoury delight. Do not pass ‘Go’.
It gets packed on the weekend, but as a freelancer when I stroll in on weekends the service, coffee and food are fast and efficient.
Love the smashed pumpkin and feta bagel. It was divine. Plan to come back and try all the other bagels too. Maybe all at the same time.

Chia porridge is great! However, the rest of the menu need some serious work. Pulled pork was wet, stodgy and flavourless. To top it off it was paired with sweet pickles. I won’t be returning anytime soon

Wonderful new local café. Already impressed when walking down alley there’s great chill out music playing. It’s full Sunday lunchtime. A great sign. Even so served within seconds of sitting outside. Big tick. Menu looks yum. See pic. Mocha comes with coffee art face. Gorgeous touch. Warm attentive service. Not eating here yet but will be back. Happy camper!

Very nice! The food is excellent and the people are really friendly. A beautiful, chilled out place where you can escape the world with a delicious coffee. :-)