Splatters, Australia’s first dedicated cheese train, is right on track to open a second Victorian location. This time round, Splatters will roll into West Melbourne, just a stop away from the Queen Vic Markets.

The original Geelong spot opened back in 2022 with its fresh and fun new concept as Australia’s first fully licensed cheese train – think a sushi train but with revolving plates of local cheeses and housemade accompaniments.

The 20-metre conveyor belt is the brainchild of owner Jo Bangles, who describes the cheese train as “the ultimate grazing experience.”

We may be accustomed to finding French or Italian cheeses on typical restaurant menus but Splatters is far from typical. Instead, Bangles is passionate about shining the spotlight on the very best of Australian produce.

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“During and post Covid, our customers were very vocal about wanting to support local which aligned with our values perfectly. We have personally enjoyed Australian artisan cheese for years so being able to celebrate the world-class products produced in Australia is perfect.

“Australia is producing some of the best cheese in the world and we’re proud to showcase that.”

Australian-made charcuterie, local sourdough bread, compound butters, and stuffed olives are also onboard. A selection of local wine and beer is available to make the most of your cheese selection while you watch the Comtè caboose roll by.

In contrast to the heritage-listed Geelong building, the sleek interior of the new Splatters leans into the industrial-chic surrounds of the recently revamped West End precinct. Reminiscent of a traditional sushi train, with warm wooden counters, slate grey walls, Edison-style bulbs and pops of greenery, Bangles is excited to try a new mask on Splatters.

“The West Melbourne venue has a more contemporary feel. We were able to work with some great designers as part of the West End development team to embrace the industrial elements while retaining a sense of cohesion with our existing branding and Geelong venue,” says Bangles.

“The feature is still the train, however in West Melbourne we have installed a double-track train which ultimately means double the number of plates of delicious cheese.”

Those delicious plates of cheese are carefully quality-controlled by Bangles and her team of cheese experts to ensure guests are getting the best experience possible.

“Cheese is always best served at room temperature and by monitoring our restaurant temperature we are able to retain a consistent temperature that aligns with our stream of customers and let’s face it – our cheese plates don’t last that long on the train.” If you’re feeling intimidated by the selection whizzing by, don’t fret. The team are always on hand to talk you through what’s on offer, and will even be bringing their highly popular masterclass series to the new restaurant in the coming weeks.

Once you’ve brushed up on your cheese knowledge, put it to the test at Splatters’ inaugural cheesy trivia which will launch this spring.

What is a cheese train?

A cheese train takes the model of a sushi train conveyor belt and gives it the fromage factor. You sit at a counter as dome-covered slices of cheese roll on by until something piques your interest. Grab a colour-coded plate (starting from $7) and watch all your cheese dreams come true.

Find Splatters West Melbourne at 18 Wominjeka Walk, West Melbourne. For more details and to book head to the website.

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