When I was young, Bayan Baru equates to PISA, “near the airport“, Kompleks Bukit Jambul and in general – nothing of interest.
Today as I drove to The Hive by Love A Loaf, I got lost and was simultaneously struck by the changes I saw, the modernisation, the new buildings and the thriving community.
Once parked, I walked to Hive, noting the nice boulevard, the eateries and the commercial buildings nearby.
Nice area!
Parking on a weekend wasn’t an issue.
Once seated inside the Hive I was assailed by the amazing smell of butter and eggs wafting up from waffle machines, the salivating scent of freshly cooked pasta and hot soup on the tables as fellow influencers tucked into a hearty meal, plus the unmistakable aroma of fresh coffee.
Own by Love A Loaf, an established bakery in Penang with their maiden successful outlet Lavish at Victoria Street, Hive is an extension of their business in the Bayan Baru area.
The menu is similar in some parts, but waffles and butter rice being the highlight as well as the highly instagrammable cake – the Strawberry and Watermelon Cake.
The group enjoyed a cheesy, meatless zucchini and eggplant cheesepot (RM19), some pasta and Hive’s seafood pot in miso broth (RM24). Waffles were served for desserts.
For those feeling peckish, there are a selection of pastries and breads/buns to choose from.
Personally I had the comforting seafood soup, a few bites of a very good Tiramisu Mille Crepe and the Strawberry Watermelon Cake (RM16.90), washed down with of course the Anchor Moodmojee – Lemon Mint Meringue– a lemon mint vanilla ice blended topped with a dollop of freshly whipped and torched meringue with slices of candied lemon and orange.
I enjoyed my Seafood Pot in Miso Broth (RM24), a much welcomed meal after a long day with its generous load of clams and hearty broth.
Overall Hive’s menu should please general appetites. There are hearty dishes as well as snacks. Within the cafe the space is compact while the dining area outside was breezy and shaded.
Beverages-wise you should try at least one of the Anchor’s latest Moodmojee range of dairy beverages. In addition to that, Hive offers the usual caffeinated drinks plus teas and the refreshing iced BLOOM range which comprises of various flavoured teas. Last but not least is the Frappe range with over 9 choices for those who prefer iced, creamier beverages.
All in all, I have to applaud Love A Loaf for it is a visionary F & B business who is quick to jump on most food trends and I support that because someone in Penang needs to do it!
I first knew of them when they were one of the first to launch the salted egg yolk croissants (in Penang) when it went viral a few years back.
Looking at their FB page, they also offered the Dirty Chocolate Bun when the trend was hot, and now, the souffle (at Lavish only).
NOTE: Hive is pork-free and alcohol free.
Their sister outlet Lavish Fusion Bakery serves pork.
Hive by Love A Loaf @ The Promenade:
Address: 5-G-36, The Promenade, Persiaran Mahsuri,
11950, Bayan Baru, Penang.
Hours: 8 am to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Facebook: HIVE – A Casual Eatery Connecting People