Image: Phoebe Powell Photography

This week on Behind the Door, I’m visiting a catering and events business located at a super unique venue, The Farm Cafe at The Collingwood Children’s Farm.

Image: Elsa Campbell Photography

The Farm Cafe events team are located in a stunning old Victorian style farmhouse within the grounds of The Collingwood Children’s Farm in inner city Melbourne. That’s right, a farm right in the middle of Melbourne! I meet sales manager, Lauren, at the front gate and am immediately transported into the Australian countryside. There’s green paddocks, rustic buildings, gum trees and even farm animals as far as the eye can see.

Images: Elsa Campbell Photography

“When people from out of town arrive here, they cannot believe that they are just four kilometres away from Melbourne CBD,” says Lauren. “It’s got all of the beautiful rustic country charm with the added convenience of being so close to the city.” The Farm Cafe team own and operate the onsite cafe and are the exclusive caterers and event managers of all the weddings at The Collingwood Children’s Farm.

Image: Elsa Campbell Photography

It’s an incredibly diverse venue with ceremony options including a grand oak tree overlooking the Yarra River, an enormous paddock surrounded by lush bush, and something more sheltered under the wooden beams of the stables. For receptions, there is the light filled cafe, rustic barn or a marquee or tipi under the stars.

Image: Elsa Campbell Photography

The team includes creative chefs, front of house, bar tenders, kitchen staff and expert level event planners that are so important when dealing with such a unique venue. There’s a fantastic relationship with many local wedding vendors including The Farm Cafe’s favourite florist Little Lady Blooms , who can often be found creating amazing floral installations in the barn. “We love the quirky nature of a real working farm,” says Lauren, “But you need to elevate each space and plan carefully to create a beautiful and stress free wedding”. Apparently it’s not unusual for couples to get photos with the peacocks, and guests to be greeted by a farmer at the gate, something not many venues in inner city Melbourne can offer!

Image: Sister Scout Studio

Lauren tells me that one of the things The Farm Cafe is most known for is its food. “We are absolutely obsessed with great food and firmly believe this starts with amazing seasonal produce,” says Lauren. “Our philosophy lies in serving up food that is designed to be shared, bringing people together with the time-honoured custom of sharing a meal”.

All the menus are abundant, diverse, and lavish spreads that guests can return to for seconds and thirds. There’s also a focus on vegetarian and vegan menus that are just as hearty and delicious, as well as options for gluten free, low FODMAP and other dietaries.

“We want people to feel nourished and excited by an incredible feast that leaves them feeling well fed and that is served with a sense of genuine hospitality,” says Lauren.

Images: Elsa Campbell Photography

Besides weddings at The Collingwood Children’s Farm, the team have become popular caterers at a number of unique venues around Melbourne, with specially designed packages for spaces like Glasshaus Inside, Newport Substation and Noisy Ritual Urban Winery. Lauren tells me that she’s often creating custom quotes for couples that are passionate about local, seasonal food and want to bring a little bit of the relaxed style of The Farm Cafe to their special day. What a fantastic team to have on board for your wedding!

Images: Elsa Campbell Photography

Ms Floral Says: Love that there’s a bit of country charm right in the heart of Melbourne! What a gem of a wedding venue.

About Amelia Waddell of Moonstruck Bride: I’m a proud bridal store owner with a love of exploring creative spaces. Whether it’s an office, event space, workshop or retail store I love seeing how other wedding businesses create their own special magic. When I’m not fitting brides I love immersing myself in everything wedding, in the name of “research” of course.