New eatery is a welcome addition to Kingston cafe society

Recently opened by the team behind the Machine Laundry Cafe and Plain Jane, Madame Clarke’s is brunching above its weight and filling a gap in the Kingborough food scene.

Sunday mornings are pretty quiet around our way. There’s usually a cup of tea or two while we work on Wordles, we jump up and down from the couch trying to determine if the cat wants to go out, or in, or out, or in again and then I head to the supermarket to stock up on supplies. On the promise that I would go to Bunnings with him afterwards, I brought my husband along as well – for some fun (!) couple time. So we were happily surprised to stumble over Madame Clarke’s before we’d even made it to the supermarket and the inevitable discussion about which block of chocolate to purchase.

Madame Clarke’s chunky carrot cake topped with a satisfyingly thick layer of cream cheese icing. Picture: Linda Higginson

Recently opened by the team who brought Hobart Machine Laundry Cafe in Salamanca Place and Plain Jane in Moonah, Madame Clarke’s is a welcome addition to Kingston cafe society. It’s perfectly situated on a sunny corner of Channel Court with the main entry off the outdoor area and we take a seat outside. Formerly a clothing store, the space has had a complete overhaul to create a large eating area with plenty of tables for couples and groups as well as high window benches for those who prefer a bit of solitude. Bright yellow and orange accents punctuate the space and I’m delighted to see a couple of colour-coordinated customers as well – one in vibrant yellow pants and the other sporting an orange hi-vis vest.

Our coffee orders are taken as we’re seated and given menus to browse. There’s a strong breakfast vibe here, along with plenty of options for brunch and lunch.

Madame Clarke’s Another Smashed Avo includes a generous pile of smashed avo atop a slice of sourdough toast, all topped with crumbled feta, Middle Eastern dukkah spice blend and bright pomegranate seeds. Picture: Linda Higginson

Much as I love a toasted sandwich, I recently enjoyed the pumpkin and olive tapenade toastie at sister-cafe Plain Jane, so decide to spread my wings a little. I land on savoury French toast ($21) and couldn’t be happier. Thick slices of egg and parmesan-soaked bread have been fried and then (be still my cheese-loving heart) sandwiched together with melted cheese. This stack of Sunday morning happiness is topped with two large roasted mushrooms and a scoop of herb-flecked mascarpone. It’s a substantial serving and I’d cancel any lunch plans if you order this one. The mascarpone is perfect for dipping chunks of bread into and adds a layer of luxurious that elevates this above a standard breakfast.

My husband orders Another Smashed Avo ($18) with sides of haloumi and bacon. Really it should be called Better than Your Usual Smashed Avo as it’s a wildly generous pile of smashed avo atop a slice of sourdough toast, all topped with crumbled feta, Middle Eastern dukkah spice blend and bright pomegranate seeds. The bacon is crispy as requested (thank you!) and the haloumi is perfectly grilled and delightfully squeaky. We’ve chosen well as co-owner (with Andrew Hasler) Josh Clarke says that just a month after opening, these are locals’ two favourite dishes. “The response to us opening has been incredible,” he says. “Kingston has lots of coffee shops but not many brunch places, so we’ve really filled a gap.” The successful formula includes using ethical local producers including Summer Kitchen bakery, Ashgrove milk and Golden free-range eggs. “Our menu is pretty simple, but everything’s well done.”

Madame Clarke’s Savoury French toast features thick slices of egg and parmesan-soaked bread that have been fried and then sandwiched together with melted cheese. Picture: Linda Higginson.

If you’re not up for a full meal, there’s a tempting and ever-changing array of cakes and biscuits on offer for a post-supermarket pick-me-up. On the day we visit there’s an orange and almond cake as well as a chunky carrot cake topped with a satisfyingly thick layer of cream cheese icing. They’re all housemade and Clarke says, “We’ve never sold so many biscuits and cakes, they’re flying out the door!”

Andrew Hasler in front of Madame Clarke's in Kingston. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Tea is served in pots that are large enough for two cups (always a bonus) and the coffee is the Wake me Up blend sourced from Melbourne’s St Ali, which Clarke rates as the best in the country.

They’ve really got the formula right here – a sunny location and great service combined with fabulous food and coffee. Kingston is booming right now and Madame Clarke’s is well positioned to keep everyone fuelled up as they go along for the ride.