#australianbrunch

Robert Gordon remains a household name throughout Australia, with their high quality stoneware holding a place on dining tables, kitchen counters and cabinet shelves across generations. Founded by a family of potters who first began their journey in 1945, Robert Gordon Australia has vastly expanded to become the largest family-run pottery production in the country. Famously known for supplying some of Australia’s top restaurants with their varied range of handmade products, their reputation continues to thrive, with imports to New Zealand and the United States of America recently topping their list of accomplishments.

Given their prestige and in-demand status, it is humbling to discover that their sole production factory operates out of a suburban region of Melbourne, known as Pakenham. Neighbouring a handful of industrial warehouses and local housing, Robert Gordon Pottery + Kitchen offers a unique destination venue for those near and far, with a retail store and cafe attached. Purpose-built to cater to their mass production of pottery, the on-site factory has come a long way from the simple tin shed in which Robert Gordon Australia began. Welcoming visitors into the Robert Gordon ‘family’ as soon as they walk through the door, the down-to-Earth and helpful attitude of the staff enhances the community vibe of this multifunctional site, making everyone feel a part of the Robert Gordon Australia family. Applying this same level of passion and enthusiasm to the undying craft of pottery, there is a reason why this brand remains a quality-assured favourite by many.

A point of difference is the fact that all of their products are hand-made, utilising specialty equipment and tools to create their varied range of products. Involving a 2-week process from start to finish, their skilled craftspeople mould, design, press, fire and glaze each item. High temperatures of 1200+ degrees Celsius ensures that the products are adequately vitrified, with their twice-fired method a catalyst for their products’ added strength, durability, quality finish and avoidance of moisture absorption. The nonspecific style and design guarantees that their products remain timeless, with their product range extending beyond the kitchen, in the form of a soon-to-be released range of bathroom sinks. Although their products are undoubtedly perfected before being placed on retail shelves to be purchased, each item tells a story through their unique individuality arising from the fact that they are not mass-produced by machines, but by human hands.

Their versatility is further demonstrated by the Robert Gordon Kitchen, encompassing an in-house cafe that is open to both customers and visitors. Inspired by British farmhouses that riddled Head Chef Chris Henderson’s childhood growing up in England, the white weatherboard scheme with gentle brown and soft white furnishings accompany the similarly British influence of the all-day menu. Aiming for an approachable variety of breakfast and lunch items to cater to all tastes, the menu draws on local British favourites including “Steak and Eggs” and a “Proper Bacon Sandwich” to contrast the Australian-influenced “Smashed Avocado” and simple eggs on toast cooked to your liking. Sourcing ethical produce from local suppliers, the intentionally simplistic offering on the plate is anything but simple, with every ingredient having a purpose when it comes to flavour. Changing the focus from complexity to quality, Robert Gordon Kitchen offers an unpretentious yet comfortingly memorable experience to accompany their menu style and notable plateware.

In addition to the handful of breakfast choices and sweet pastries, things like a “Poached Pear Brulee” with apple bircher, “Soba Noodles” with roasted eggplant and a full English breakfast entice those with a bit more of an appetite. Predominantly well-balanced in their fusion of Australian and British cuisines, their minor dip into the Asian realm with a couple of menu items suggests slight confusion regarding their approach, though their apparent objective of offering diversity does not go unnoticed.

“Steak and Eggs” ($24.00) (Gippsland beef steak, fried egg, roasted tomato, potato hash croquette)

“Cumin Fried Rice” ($20.00) (with curry roasted cod, poached egg, almonds, chives)

“Gembrook Potato Chips” ($9.00) (malt vinegar mayo)

With fun activities involving kids and families, such as painting your own plate and decorating your own cupcake, Robert Gordon Pottery + Kitchen attracts people of all ages, yet successfully preserves the focus on their quality products handmade just a few steps away.

Note: I visited and dined courtesy of Robert Gordon Pottery + Kitchen. Thank you to all of the staff for their hospitality, in particular Kate Gordon and Aaron. The opinions, comments and photos presented in this article belong to the author, and need to be approved before being used by others.

Robert Gordon Kitchen 114 Mulcahy Road Pakenham, VIC 3810 Hours: Kitchen – Wed-Sun 8am-4pm. Store – Mon-Tues 9am-5pm, Wed-Sun 8am-5pm.