Hotspot: The Moat

By Annabel Ross

February 9, 2012 — 12.00am
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/hotspot-the-moat-20120208-1rdeb.html

When
The Moat bar and café opened last November. It’s open from Monday to Friday from 8am til late, and on Saturday from 12pm til late.

Who
Paul Bonet, Rosie Avitable and chef Emma Jeffrey are co-owners. Bonet and Avitable ran Breadwell cafe in Flinders Lane for six years. Prior to that, Bonet owned Pause in Balaclava and has worked at Florentino, Caffe e Cucina and Candy Bar. Jeffrey did her apprenticeship with Annie Smithers and has worked at Matteo’s, Fenix and Sapore.

Where
The Moat lives deep in the bowels of the Wheeler Centre, at 176 Little Lonsdale Street.

What
Housed in a historic 19th century building, The Moat plays on the Wheeler Centre literature theme by styling itself as something of a old-world library. Books and wine bottles line the shelves and red carpet and dark wood furniture is complemented by scarlet and gold brick walls and a red leather bench.

The food is mainly classic Mediterranean café fare – terrine, meatballs in Napoli sauce, and a piquant quinoa salad. Breakfast offerings include homemade muesli, poached pears, and smashed avocado on sourdough.

Decent coffee is from Espresso Syndicate, teas are from Somage and all are Fairtrade and organic.

The small wine list is interesting and international and there’s Cricketer’s Arms and Bruers Bright on tap. Cocktails are popular on Fridays after work – try the Bangkok to Bali martini or the Dead Sea cosmo.

Why?
Staff are warm and welcoming, the space is romantic and cosy (bar the cute Astro-turfed outdoors area), the food is homely, if a touch pricey, and there’s a book swap for loyal customers.