Stranger Coffeehouse Balwyn: Brunch in a Beautiful Old Church
Balwyn has no shortage of cafés, but few are as memorable as Stranger Coffeehouse and Kitchen.
Housed inside a striking former church on Whitehorse Road, this Balwyn coffeehouse blends heritage architecture with a relaxed modern café vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can settle into a booth, take your time over brunch, and enjoy a menu that goes well beyond the usual café staples.
Marjie recently visited and discovered that while the building itself draws you in, the food and atmosphere are what make you want to stay.
The Coffee House
I’m sitting in Stranger Coffeehouse and Kitchen in Balwyn in a booth for brunch. Because brunch is what this café does best!
Located in a former church building, this is a place where it’s best to have no pre-conceived notions of what you are about to receive.
The well-presented menu, not yet following the trend towards photos of all of its offerings, points to several Eggs Benedict options among its delicious array of vegetarian, meat and other brunch dishes. I opt for the Pulled Pork Benny on Brioche. The chef’s Hollandaise sauce is a taste of Heaven!
There is an equally vast listing of non-alcoholic drinks. While regular teas and coffees are available with all the alternative milks you could desire, it’s worth the effort to read about their other beverages, if only because there are some very interesting offerings. The list includes Juices and Smoothies, and perhaps reflecting the local Asian influence, offers Matcha, Hojicha and Taro Lattes and a Vietnamese Salt Iced Coffee.
The Building
This is no ordinary café. This is a repurposed church, which harks back to the 1920s and the interwar period when Balwyn changed from farmlets to suburb. It was designed by Ray Berg, an influencer of architects like Daryl Jackson and an architectural contemporary of Sir Roy Grounds, well known for the vault-like National Gallery of Victoria Building.
This church building is striking from both Whitehorse Road and Balwyn Park and has a heritage overlay. The church architecture, with its steeple, original bell tower, stained glass and wood panels, doesn’t overshadow the modern vibe of the place. It makes it more interesting.
Related reading: Explore Kew by Tram: A Day’s Outing
The name of the Coffee House
Somewhat irreverently, the sign as you enter from the Whitehorse Road entrance is “Love thy Coffee”! It’s a nice little throwback to “Love thy Neighbour” and the building’s origins as a church.
I actually like all the connections between The Stranger’s past and present, including its name, Stranger, which presents it as a welcoming venue for newcomers to Balwyn.
And if you’re a newcomer to Balwyn, this is a great place to kick off your visit.
Accessibility and parking
When the building was repurposed, a ramp was added to the Cherry Road side of the church to facilitate access. You can choose to eat inside, outside on the Cherry Road porch or under umbrellas on the steps overlooking Whitehorse Road. There are barstools too. Whatever makes you feel at home!
Stranger Coffeehouse and Kitchen
208 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn Vic 3103
0490 057 662
Balwyn, a century-old suburb
A central spot for a Balwyn outing
If you’re planning to make an outing of it, this Eastern pocket of Melbourne has plenty to keep you entertained before or after your meal.
Catch a film at Palace Cinema Balwyn
Just a short walk or tram ride away on the 109 tram, Palace Balwyn Cinema is a heritage-listed art deco venue with multiple cinemas, a café and a mix of mainstream releases and art-house films.
Visit Maranoa Botanical Gardens
A hidden 125 year old gem in Melbourne, the Maranoa Botanical Gardens are officially designated as botanical gardens and showcase Australian natives. It’s compact and easy to navigate on foot and footpath, from the Parring Road entrance off Whitehorse Road. Parking inside the adjoining Becket Park or take the 109 tram from Stranger Café to Parring Road..
Visit the Balwyn shopping centre
At Stranger Café, you’re several hundred metres from the intersection of Whitehorse and Balwyn Roads, a thriving strip shopping centre comprising traditional and Asian-influenced shops, cafes and restaurants.
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