Merthyr Village linchpin Vue Lounge is sporting a new look and a new name. Don’t fret – it’s still got the same owners and same wholesome identity, but with this makeover comes a raft of new eats. Owners Matt and Dan Jefferis have been tossing around the idea of shaking things up at Vue for some time, looking at ways they could freshen up the cafe space while also incorporating elements from their side hustle – patisserie concept Savour. Originally based at Westfield Chermside’s outdoor dining precinct on a short-term lease, Savour quickly earned cred for its freshly made sweets and coffee. When the lease finished in 2019, the team decided to amalgamate the two brands – adding a delectable baked-goods component to Vue’s already popular cafe offering and giving the crew a brilliant excuse to overhaul the interior aesthetic while they were at it. In mid-February Vue Lounge closed for renovations, with Matt and Dan spearheading a makeover that would replace Vue’s original dark palette with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic foregrounding light timbers, white furnishings and plenty of greenery. The bar was repositioned to place the grab-and-go cabinet and coffee machine at the front of the venue, while a takeaway window facing Merthyr Road was also installed. The adjustments also increased the cafe’s capacity to 90 patrons, with seating available inside and around the exterior. On Saturday March 14, the eatery reopened as Savour Cafe, showing off its new look and some mouth-watering menu items.
In anticipation of the shake up, Matt and Dan added some new dishes to the menu before the transition, giving regulars a chance to become accustomed to the additions ahead of time. Savour’s selection of nosh currently spans grab-and-go options (salads, pies, sandwiches and rolls), all-day breakfast and lunch (night trading is something the team will look at later in the year). New dishes such as the panko-crumbed camembert with smoked leg ham served on a croissant, pork belly with poached eggs and hollandaise, and ricotta hotcakes with fresh berries and maple syrup are leading the breakfast pack in terms of praise, while lunch also boasts a few mouth-watering additions. The slow-roast beef cheek with potato rosti and lamb shoulder doused in cumin-spiced yoghurt are two bona fide winners, but don’t forget about the established selection of burgers, stone-baked pizzas and share plates. Savour Cafe has also updated its coffee choice, roasting and serving its own specialty blend alongside loose-leaf tea from neighbour Tour de Tea, muddled juices and healthy smoothies. Savour’s new patisserie range (made daily at Savour’s specialty baked-goods kitchen in Newstead) is ideal for fans of indulgence – the treats cabinet is chock-full of mini eclairs, macarons and individual desserts, with Savour’s eclair sundaes already a big hit with the locals.
Savour Cafe is now operating as a takeaway-only venue for the foreseeable future. Hit the Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.
Images courtesy of Savour Cafe.
