A Corner Store Turned Local Cafe Favourite
Marko Hass came to Australia from Germany as a 30-year old working holiday backpacker with the intention of only staying a year.
“I travelled all around Australia and fell in love with the European vibe of Melbourne, the multicultural mentality and the friendliness of the people. Even the European weather!” laughs Marko. “When I met my wife here as well, we decided to stay. Now we have three children and I’m a westside local.”
After more than twenty years working as a chef, Marko decided that he wanted the flexibility and freedom that comes from running his own business. He took over the reins of daytime cafe The Pint of Milk in 2019.
The cafe, located on the corner of North Road and Douglas Parade, used to be an old milk bar. Its past is reflected in a large-scale mural of an old-fashioned milkman and a sculpture of some naughty black crows stealing pints of milk!
“We have customers who come in daily or weekly and everybody knows each other. I have worked in kitchens but I prefer being front-of-house because I enjoy the contact with people.”
MARCO HASS
The artworks, timber walls, industrial-style lighting and streetside tables create a warm and inviting cafe for Newport locals. Marko has added some polish to the interior and exterior, with new outdoor furniture, lighting and signage.
On the menu, you can expect cafe classics created from locally sourced ingredients, paired with Gridlock coffee sourced from Heidelberg West. The menu changes twice yearly in accordance with the season - in winter the food is comforting and rustic, while summer brings fresher, lighter flavours.
There’s one dish that stays the same all year round.
“Our signature dish is the avocado and feta on pumpkin sourdough. We shell the broad beans by hand, marinate them in olive oil, lemon juice, chilli and mint and that dressing is drizzled over the top. I’ll never be able to take it off the menu!” grins Marko.
What makes Marko enjoy coming to work? He values serving the Newport community.
“We have customers who come in daily or weekly and everybody knows each other. I have worked in kitchens but I prefer being front-of-house because I enjoy the contact with people.”
