A quiet cafe with a chilled-out atmosphere, Timbale delivers good food and serviceable coffee while somehow managing to avoid the rushed and busy feel of some of the larger cafes in the Richmond area.

There’s only a few tables inside, which makes it seem small and cosy, but there’s an upstairs area with seating available (which I haven’t actually checked out yet) and of course a few tables on outside, which is a boon now that the weather is warming up again. One of the walls is lined with band posters.

I try the French toast (A favourite breakfast of mine), and it’s simple but delicious, coming with both bacon and maple syrup by default (and it seems to be real maple syrup, too, not the cheap imitation). The coffee (a latte) is fine, not the best I’ve had but certainly not the worst. It’s the laid-back atmosphere, however, which is the real attraction.

I stumbled upon this place, although I believe it’s quite well known. You walk down steps off busy Victoria St and down next to the Yarra. Bell birds chirp away. The bike track runs along the river below. Sat outside at a table with an umbrella. Ordered a long machiatto. Took about 5 minutes and water was brought out. Macchiato was excellent, hot, good flavour. Comes with a small dry biscuit as well. It’s good to come to a place and be surprised by a top quality coffee. Will come back here again. Fairly busy when I was here — spare seats out and in, but it’s a large venue and most were taken. Fenix is a restaurant also. It’s location here, lower than the road and over-looking the river is really nice, a sort-of micro climate. Didn’t even know Bell Birds hung out this close to the city.