Fifteen Pounds

Fifteen Pounds is another new comer cafe to the Fairfield area. This modern, sleek cafe has only had its doors open for a few weeks but already boasts the potential of becoming a hit with local mums and bubs.

Inside the front counter is filled with tempting baked treats, a deli case full of daily specials and the display of fresh fruit and vegetables on the back wall which gives the cafe that feeling of freshness. Recycled timber and soft lighting is used throughout the interior creating a lovely homely feel in an industrial setting.

Fifteen Pounds offers indoor seating with two large communal tables (perfect for mother’s group coffee dates) or if the sun is shining pop on back to the enclosed courtyard complete with large lemon tree. Some of the courtyard is heated which is perfect for the cooler months and has a little more space for the dreaded pram.

For the wee ones Fifteen Pounds have added some thoughtful touches to make kids and families welcome. To keep the kids busy they have crayons and paper for the budding young artist, high chairs and of course fluffy babycinos for the tiny sweet tooth’s

The staff were under the pump the day we visited, but still had time to be friendly and welcoming.  As soon as we were seated we were offered a highchair.  We sat on the large communal table as the place was absolutely full and we didn’t mind sharing with others.  Although l don’t know if they were thrilled about having a toddler on the table with them. Oh well, what can you do!

It is very cosy inside so l would HIGHLY recommend you either leave the pram out the front or go straight through to the courtyard to sit, as there is ample room to move about out there. For tiny dirty bottoms Fifteen Pounds have a fold down change table in the toilet, and a word of warning, it’s a bit cosy inside the cubical but you’ll manage.

The menu is new and fresh with loads of breakfast and lunch time treats to suit the fussiest eater, big or small and along with their tasty daily specials Fifteen Pounds is sure to add a few more pounds to that ever growing waist line we all love to hate.

While the experience at Fifteen Pounds was pleasant and had some of the family friendly features that we love, l didn’t instantly get that “family friendly” vibe. Maybe because the place looks too nice to take kids, l think it was the shiny new interior that was glaring my view as I’m not one to spoil the furniture with mashed up avocado or sticky marshmallows. So just keep in mind it may be a good place to take very young bubs or older children. It may be hard to tame and chase after run away toddlers in a small busy space. But hey the growing trend of welcoming families into cafes is on high demand in most areas of Melbourne these days so l’m sure they’ll be able to deal with a few chewed up toast crusts left on the floor by the messy toddler. 

Reviewed by Jolie in June 2012