Melany Batley traded in her finance career to make gelato. Photo: Eunie Kim Photography.
Who are you?
Melany Batley, owner of Mellabella Gelato.
Tell me about Mellabella Gelato
Mellabella Gelato is all about creating joy through artisan gelato. We handcraft small-batch gelato and sorbet using premium local ingredients and serve them from our vintage-style carts at weddings, festivals, and private events across Canberra and the region. It’s vintage charm with a delicious twist!
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I was feeling bored and uninspired in my finance career, so I started exploring other passions through short courses — first in landscaping, then patisserie, and finally gelato making at the Gelato University in Melbourne. That was the turning point, as I realised I was able create something fun, creative, and people-focused. For me, gelato turned out to be the perfect way to bring people together.
If you weren’t in hospitality, what would you be doing instead?
Flowers run in my family — my grandmother, Elma Batley, opened five florists in Canberra back in the 1960s, and my aunty and cousin are still thriving in local floristry today. If I’m not scooping gelato, you’ll usually find me out in my sprawling cottage garden. If I weren’t in hospitality, I’d probably be knee-deep in dahlias on a little micro flower farm. Who knows — that adventure might still be on the horizon!
What is your food philosophy?
More is more. This is a very important philosophy that is essential when adding sauce or home baked brownies into our gelato, to make our flavours as delicious and joyful as possible.
Melany applies a ‘more is more’ approach to her gelato and even her home cooking. Photo: Eunie Kim Photography.
What is your favourite or must-use ingredient when cooking?
Crushed garlic is a definite must use for our weekly stir-fries. The ‘more is more’ principle also applies here.
What’s an underrated Canberra region venue that you love?
I’d like to give a shout-out to a couple of gems in nearby Braidwood. Tucked behind the old bank in the centre of town is the fabulous Vanilla Catering cafe, where chef Vanessa Bunn serves up an ever-changing menu — from Asian-inspired dishes to Aussie brekkie favourites — plus the most incredible cake display that never fails to make people smile.
Then there’s the one and only Smokey Horse. It’s full of character and an absolute delight — you can while away an afternoon on the sunny deck overlooking the town, enjoying Himalayan soul food, local beers, and the occasional surprise live rap or reggae set.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
I really admire all the small family operators who are out there giving it a go. Canberra is so lucky to have such a diverse food scene, and I love the surprise of stumbling across amazing little restaurants tucked into our local shopping strips. Those hidden gems are what make our local food scene so special.
Where’s the best place for a drink in Canberra?
The Jetty is the perfect place to relax and enjoy our fabulous lake with a cold beer in the sun.
Where do you like to go for a coffee?
Bungendore’s own the Gathering is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious coffee with a friendly and relaxed country cafe vibe.
The Jetty, on Lake Burley Griffin. Photo: James Coleman.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
I love chef Poh Ling Yeow for her vibrant personality and zest for life. I would make her a sourdough pizza (simple but delicious) and, of course, finish with some lemon and mascarpone gelato.
What is your current food obsession?
Fresh raspberries are my all-time obsession. I could eat them all day. They are the perfect pop in your mouth treat and are very good for you.
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
Stir-fried crispy pork from Thai Yim in Cowra. The team and I were there last weekend serving gelato for the Sakura Festival at the Japanese Gardens. At Mellabella every day is an adventure – our team is so lucky to experience some of our region’s amazing festivals and events. You just never know where the gelato is going to take you next.
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
My mother was from the Netherlands and used to make us pan-fried apple slices served with sliced white bread and butter. It’s a vivid memory from my childhood.
Mellabella Gelato travels to events in the region. Photo: Lauren Sutton Photography.
What’s a normal breakfast for you?
Two fried eggs with smoked salmon and spinach leaves served on a piece of my dad’s homemade sourdough. He makes it from scratch for us every day and it’s very delicious.
Where do you shop for groceries?
The Bungendore IGA. A few years ago the town had to fight for this local business to stay after Woolworths had attempted to take over. It was worth the effort as it is such a fixture in our community.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
Bungendore Chinese – a town gem set up inside a shed at our little local bowls club. It does all the classics really well, but my all-time favourite is the combination long and short soup; it’s got everything you could ever need in a single heartwarming bowl.
What are you travel plans?
The winter in Canberra marks a slowdown in Gelato bookings, and I like to make the most of the season by booking a walking tour from somewhere I’d never usually get to see. This year we spent a week with Walk Japan in East Hokkaido walking through their lush forests, staying in onsen resorts and experiencing the wonderful Washoku – a traditional Japanese meal which showcases fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. While we were sad not to see any bears in the forest, it was probably a good thing for the livelihood of our walking group!
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra.
Over the past 40 years Canberra has grown from being quite bland to an iconic destination with awesome museums, fantastic regional wineries, great shopping and a diverse food and event scene. It’s been a joy to be part of the local tourism industry as it has evolved over the years.
What TV show are you watching right now?
I just finished watching Little Fires Everywhere on SBS. It was very exciting and highly binge worthy.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
Earl Grey Tea with milk.
