Hobson

Overlooking the Rosebud foreshore, Hobson combines art deco charm with the sleek, contemporary style of a modern cafe. The latter may evoke a sense of familiarity among weekenders visiting from Melbourne, but it’s also a solid hint at the pedigree behind this place.

The Only Hospitality Group (Bentwood, Stanley and Hotel Collingwood) took over and refreshed the site at the end of 2021, retaining the textured curves and decorative fluting on the building’s historic facade.

Inside is bright and airy with polished concrete and soft timbers throughout. The space seats 120 comfortably between two expansive dining rooms, with curb-side picnic tables shaded by beach umbrellas setting the scene outside.

The relaxed all-day menu deals in reimagined brunch classics: prawn-and-kimchi omelettes, cauliflower-and-haloumi fritters, and a Moroccan-spiced chicken salad. Kids are well catered for, with dippy eggs and soldiers, and baby pancakes.

Only Hospitality is also behind Inglewood Coffee Roasters, and you can expect to find its Sunset Blvd blend and various single origin beans gracing the grinders here. If you’re after takeaway, the move is to grab a pastry and hit the meandering tracks along the beach. They're perfect for a post-Hobson stroll.