Kettle Black crew to roast their own coffee brew

They've had a string of cafe successes. Now the team behind Three Bags Full, Two Birds One Stone, Top Paddock and The Kettle Black have some new projects on the boil, signing the lease on a CBD cafe in Spencer Street's Upper West Side residential development.

One of the owners, Nathan Toleman, says the as-yet-unnamed cafe will be a chance for the team to explore a new concept, although he's keeping schtum on the details. He's tipping the small cafe to open in February, although they've yet to work out design details.

Along with the new cafe comes plans for their own coffee roastery in Cremorne, which will operate as a separate business. The roaster will fire up in January, with a small espresso bar and retail outlet to follow mid-year.

Toleman says they've worked closely with WA-based Five Senses since he and wife Sarah Foletta opened their first cafe, Alphington's Apte, in 2007. But sourcing and roasting green coffee beans to supply their cafes will give them more control.

Meanwhile, South Melbourne's The Kettle Black is opening for dinner on Fridays with a separate a la carte menu designed for sharing. "It's supposed to be approachable and respectful," says chef Jesse Mctavish. "The core ingredients stand out in uncomplicated dishes." Expect things like a one-kilogram dry-aged Cape Grim "tomahawk" rib on the bone (big enough for two or three) and Dromana mussels with sea urchin and seaweed.

Bookings are advised: phone 9088 0721.