Take a look inside Geelong’s new addition to the uptown cafe scene, Neck of the Woods
FOR foodie entrepreneur Georgie Matheson, bright new inner-city cafe Neck of the Woods is her contemporary canvas.
Every detail in the natural light-flooded space on Myers Street has been carefully considered, and is purposely different from industrial gem Fuel Coffee + Food, which she created with husband Greg.
The fresh, boutique menu is seasonal and Georgie points out the avocado smash and mini flatbread pizzas as her favourites.
Proven roast Campos Specialty Coffee, from Carlton, is the liquid bond between the Matheson’s new and established concepts, endorsed again for its rich superior house blend, delightful single origin options and full-bodied decaffeinated cup.
“I wanted to create a space which was a direct juxtaposition to Fuel,” Georgie says as she carries appetising dishes from the exposed food preparation counter to diners on a bustling weekday morning.
“It’s more feminine and elegant. It’s relaxed, fresh and fun.
Georgie and Greg opened laneway nook Fuel in Geelong in 2010, fast gathering a cult following for its quality coffee and bold, masculine personality.
In style and ambience, Neck of the Woods is the opposite.
“Fuel is a downtown, industrial, laneway, funky, bustling, inner-city hole-in-the-wall cafe,” she explains.
“Neck of the Woods is an uptown, airy, bright, fresh, contemporary, and crisp new kid on the block. We always knew that we would eventually open another cafe, but it was simply a matter of when and where.”
Georgie discovered the Myers Street site in 2013 and, after securing the shopfront, the pair chipped away on the parallel project.
Crisp white and soft blue hues lift the interior, allowing black accents, designer furniture and sculptural artwork to sing.
“It’s a colour palette that I love,” Georgie says.
“It displays a real sense of calm. It has a slight nod to the Scandinavian style, yet is warm, inviting and contemporary.”
The stools are Geelong designer Adam Lynch’s masterpieces and the statement angular pendant light above the La Marzocco is by Christopher Boots.
“It’s a reflection of my personal style and I’m very proud of how it turned out,” she says, smiling.
The menu is deliberately small and seasonal.
Popular dish avocado smash is served with Meredith goat cheese, quinoa, sweet corn, tomato, red onion, Moroccan Dukkah and lemon juice on toasted La Madre sourdough
The caramelised onion, blue cheese, mozzarella and rosemary mini pizzas are accompanied by pear and rocket salad.
“We offer a select range of delicious items with our own twist,” Georgie says.
From behind the coffee machine, Greg takes control when it comes to managing service.
Georgie says she is more than happy to hand over the reins of this side of the business.
“He does thrive on pressure,” she says of her husband.
“He has an amazing ability to greet customers, juggle tables, direct staff and carry on conversations, all while making coffee with a smile and a joke.
“He makes it look so effortless. I simply step back and just let him lead.”
Neck of the Woods is at 136 Myers Street, Geelong.
Source: Geelong Advertiser, Karen Dodd, 11th November 2015
Originally published as: Take a look inside Geelong’s new addition to the uptown cafe scene, Neck of the Woods
