Auction Rooms - North Melbourne, Melbourne

Auction Rooms in North Melbourne is part of the St Ali empire since November 2016, retains its original charm and focus on quality coffee sourced from Small Batch, the renowned roasting business of former owner Andrew Kelly. The cafe, housed in the weather-beaten blue facade of the former W.B. Ellis auction house (Est. 1864), boasts an industrial-chic interior with concrete floors, distressed brick, and steel accents, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes inspired by Mexican, American, and Middle Eastern flavors, including options like nut and seed granola with elderflower labne, chilaquiles with pork shoulder and cheese curd, and grilled eggplant with flatbread and smoked hummus.
Auction Rooms stands out for its architectural significance, designed by Six Degrees Architects, who preserved the original facade while revamping the interior into a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing space. The cafe’s success lies in its dedication to local produce and exceptional coffee, showcased in dishes like Colombian corn pancakes and braised Wagyu meatball sub rolls. The use of salvaged and reused materials adds character to the space, creating an inviting ambiance reminiscent of an industrial warehouse. Six Degrees Architects’ expertise in creating high-use places is evident in their thoughtful design approach, evident in projects like the Royal Saxon Hotel in Richmond and Newmarket Hotel in St. Kilda. Auction Rooms combines culinary excellence with architectural innovation, offering patrons a memorable dining experience in North Melbourne.