Brother Lawrence

The dedicated bagel, bread and coffee bar in Newtown

Inside Newtown’s historic wool mill, host to Geelong’s dedicated art space Boom Gallery, Anglesea’s Michael Lobbe has transformed the space into something special with Brother Lawrence - a neighbourhood-friendly, laidback everyday bagelry and coffee shop.

A concept years in the making, originating from Michael’s baking business, Loaves by Lobbe, Brother Lawrence has become a homage to Michael’s passion. Here, it’s all about simple ingredients and allowing the sourdough bagels to do the talking.

Handmade, rolled, boiled and baked the traditional way, these dense, chewy hoops are the hero at Brother Lawrence. And while Michael’s poppy seed, plain and sesame bagels may lean traditional, the fillings sure don’t.

There are several topping options on offer at the cafe, from the very simple (bacon & egg, or ham & cheese), to the more elaborate. You might order the classic NYC-inspired citrus-cured salmon bagel with lemon and dill schmear, crispy capers, red onion and roquette; or a very Melbourne smashed avo bagel with goats cheese, hash brown and sliced tomato.

Inspired by creation, Brother Lawrence also offers not-so-classic bagels, like the blueberry or cinnamon and raisin bagel with you can get topped with cream cheese and Bellarine Jam.

Of course, there’s more to Brother Lawrence than bagels with a quaint but vibrant all-day breakfast menu inspired by fresh and local produce. With a focus on simple, wholesome meals, you’ll find eggs ‘any way’ (served on Loaves by Lobbe sourdough of course); Karaage mushrooms; coffee granola with a coffee and chocolate pannacotta AND a orange, ginger and rosemary pannacotta; a burrito plate; or a Brother Lawrence cheeseburger. Feeling healthy? Try the ‘Pesto Greens’ dish with charred broccolini, asparagus and kale, avocado, pesto, seed mix and a poached egg.

You’ll also find freshly squeezed juice, sparkling drinks, hot drinks, assorted tea from Love Tea and coffee by Ona, brewed and served to perfection. And if that wasn’t enough, you can even get your hands on fresh bread here to take away, seven days a week.