If you told Peter Van Haandel 18 months ago that he would soon been running a cafe in the Docklands corporate precinct, he would\'ve shaken his head in defiance and likely turned around and marched off.

Peter, with his years and years of experience in the industry, has made a name for himself by building renowned hospitality businesses in some of Melbourne\'s most vibrant suburbs.

The proposition of creating a destination for fine food and coffee in amongst the hustle and bustle of some of Melbourne\'s biggest corporate offices was distinctly different, but the opportunity was too good to resist. Caffe Esc, the newest addition to the Van Haandel stable, now occupies the ground floor of the ANZ Building at the Future End of Collins Street.

The Van Haandel name is synonymous with quality dining in Melbourne. After building up a strong bank of establishments in Bendigo, Peter\'s restaurateur father shifted the family to Melbourne to take over the management of St Kilda\'s iconic Stokehouse restaurant. Their immediate and extended family have since gone on to own and manage some of Melbourne\'s best known and best loved dining spots including Il Fornaio, Comme, the Prince of Wales and Circa.

For Peter, who started making coffee for his father as soon as he was tall enough to see into the milk jug, his eventual progression to manager in his own right has been slow and steady.

He has a formidable hospitality resume with experience gained in many of Melbourne\'s best known restaurants and cafes. His expertise as a waiter, barista and even pastry chef has only enhanced his comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry and genuine love for good food.
This love is extremely evident at Caffé Esc. Even an innocent lunch time wander past the door could have the most unsuspecting foodie salivating. Glass cabinets just inside the front window, display their house-made lunchtime goodies and a spread of sweet pastries from French patisserie Noisette.

Their ever-evolving specials menu promises a much better than average midday culinary adventure. (Rabbit sausage rolls, anyone?) Most alluring through, is the delicious aroma that only the most experienced baristas can succeed in creating. Tempting enough even, to lure the hibernating Docklands foodies down to street level to discover all sorts of delectable delights.

Caffe Esc - Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm
ANZ Centre, 833 Collins St, Docklands
Ph: 9614 5555
www.caffeesc.com.au