Just Open: Square & Compass, East Melbourne

The clever minds behind cafes like Barry, Pillar of Salt and Touchwood have filled the lull between Smith Street and Fitzroy Gardens, opening Square & Compass in East Melbourne.

Owners Kael Sahely, Matthew Stribley and head chef Jeremy Fraser have shaped a destination cafe that's humming with local workers on a takeaway mission during the week and dedicated brunch-goers come weekends.

"We're catering to everyone in the area," Stribley says, with zucchini "pasta" for raw eaters, ancient grain salad for the health conscious, and strawberry and rhubarb waffles for something sweet.

Barry's signature superfood salad has sidled over to the new venue, while Seven Seeds beans form espresso-based coffees and Collingwood's Promised Land is on filter.

Preserving the old-worldly feel of the building, Therefore Studio (Tall Timber, Touchwood) has matched the original red-brick facade with an interior of strong lines and soft dusty-pink panelling.

222 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne, Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm, 9416 4914, squareandcompass.com.au