1
Todo Good Coffee
@todogoodcoffeeThis cute corner spot is the third venue by Columbian couple Santiago and Carolina – following their original Fitzroy cafe Sonido and Preston’s Arepa Days. The menu features all the South American favourites that you’ll find at their other venues, including delicious arepas (a gluten-free South American flatbread that can be stuffed full of savoury options), flavourful rice bowls, empanadas, and sweet treats like alfajor (shortbread with dulce de leche). Todo Good is also a coffee label – roasting single-origin Columbian coffee that you can enjoy at their three venues, or purchase beans to take home.
1a Timmins Street, Northcote
1.1
Merri Creek Trail
The Merri Creek TrailMerri Creek Trail is one of Melbourne’s most beautiful bike paths. The trail passes through the city’s inner northern suburbs, stretching 21km from North Fitzroy in the south, to Fawkner in the north. The route follows Merri Creek’s banks – through bushland, reserves and parks, and past wetlands, old relics and community gardens. The trail is a shared-use path, popular with cyclists, walkers and dog owners. On sunny days it can get quite busy, so go slow, take care and enjoy the natural surroundings!
Merri Creek Trail, Thornbury
1.2
Brunswick Velodrome
@brunswick_ccBrunswick Velodrome, located on the Merri Creek Trail, was opened in 1956 and has since become a haven for cyclists young and old. The velodrome is home to Brunswick Cycling Club who hold regular pacing sessions, races and social events. When it’s not being used for Club activities, the velodrome is open to the public and often filled with locals having fun riding their bikes. It’s a great spot to pause a while and watch cyclists do fast laps of the steeply-banked track, or if you’re on a bike why not do a few laps for yourself!
Located in Abrahams Reserve
2
Alex Bake 3057
@alexbake3057Hidden in an unexpected spot – in a shipping container at the back of the Mycelium Studios warehouse complex overlooking Merri Creek – Alex Bake is somewhat of a hidden gem, and arguably one of the best bakeries in the area (big call, we know!). The micro bakery produces organic bread, artisan pastries and filled baguettes, with a variety of seasonal flavours available daily (and great hot cross buns in the lead-up to Easter). Head baker, Alex Iordanov, is from Brittany, France, and was born into a family of French bakers – so you know everything that he produces is going to be very good. Grab a sourdough loaf or a classic French baguette to take home, or enjoy a coffee and pain au raisin under the umbrellas, after a mosey along Merri Creek.
10, factory 5/12 Moreland Road, Brunswick East
2.1
Perimeter Books
@perimeterbooksThis bookstore is a major weakness for us – we can lose a lot of time (and money!) perusing the shelves and tables filled with beautifully-curated contemporary art, architecture and design books. Most books are limited-run and independently published by houses such as NoBrow (London), PostEditions (Rotterdam) and Nieves (Switzerland). The store itself is minimal with lots of natural light, letting the books do all the talking. The helpful staff will ensure you can find a unique book that’s perfect for your coffee table or library and there's an online store if you can’t fit books into your luggage! Perimeter also has an award-winning publishing arm (Perimeter Editions) and distribution house (Perimeter Distribution) and curates a program of exhibitions, talks, launches, workshops and consultations both at the store and at cultural institutions and galleries across Australia and overseas.
734 High Street, Thornbury
2.2
Thornbury Espresso Bar
@thornburyespressobarThe Thornbury Espresso Bar (or Expresso, depending on which side of the sign you look at!) has been a local institution since 1956, providing a hub for European migrants to socialise and play cards or bocce. When it looked like the venue was set to close the owner of neighbouring Pallino took over, ensuring local zios (uncles) could keep playing cards. The space has been largely kept in its original form, with terrazzo flooring, Venetian blinds, pinball machines, a jukebox and old photos on the wall – plus large tables up the back for cards and important business to be discussed! Coffee, pastries and simple toasted sandwiches are available during the day. Alcoholic drinks are also available for a cheeky afternoon tipple, including Espresso Martinis on tap. During warmer months, and for special events, the bar stays open late.
792 High Street, Thornbury
2.3
Luthers Scoops
@luthers_scoopsOne of our favourite ice cream spots, Lutherʼs Scoops has recently opened their second store in High Street Thornbury – arguably making the street even cooler than it was before (pun intended). Taking over the existing home of Kenny Lover, there’s still a large velvet couch and patterned tiles, but with the seasonal menu that Luther’s is loved for. You might find flavours like carrot cake, apple and buckwheat crumble, rhubarb grapefruit sorbet or passionfruit and lemon custard at different times throughout the year, or try one of their classics like blueberry cheesecake or butterscotch ripple. There’s also very tasty choc chip cookies and we’re hoping to see the winter pies make an appearance at the Thornbury store too!
796 High Street, Thornbury
2.4
Carwyn Cellars
@carwyncellarsThis bottle shop and bar has been a Thornbury institution for over 16 years. The bottle shop stocks a huge range (200 beers!), from tasty homegrown brews and local wines, to the very best tipples from around the world – it’s always a great spot to grab a bottle for a dinner party or for your drinks shelf at home. But it’s the ‘Back Room’ bar that has become a real local’s favourite, with street-side seats crammed full on sunny afternoons. With a rotating selection of 16 tap beers available, cider, spirits and wines, it’s the epitome of a great local. The Tuck Shop van serves classic pub grub with a middle-eastern twist, with weekly specials, or you can grab some snacks from the bar.
877 High Street, Thornbury
2.5
Thornbury Picture House
@thornbury_picturehouseHoused within one of Melbourne’s first drive-through petrol stations (circa 1920), this independent cinema is a true Thornbury – and Melbourne – gem. With just 57 seats, it’s an intimate experience with vintage charm and cinematic allure. The cinema is tastefully fitted out with refurbished 1930s cinema seats and nostalgic movie relics, giving the venue real ‘Art Deco glam’ vibes, whilst outside the sheltered driveway has communal tables surrounded by restored tile signage and a petrol bowser from the venue’s past life. TPH showcases an eclectic mix of new releases, documentaries, cult and classic movies. Movie snacks like popcorn and choc-tops are much better than you’ll find at other cinemas, and if you’re feeling hungry you can order small (and tasty) Italian-style sharing plates from nearby Umberto to enjoy before or after a film. The cinema is also licensed which makes for an extra-fun movie night. We love just dropping in for a drink, catching the day’s last light with a negroni in hand – especially when Carwyn Cellars over the road is full!
802 High Street, Thornbury
3
Casa Nata
@casanata.melbourneCasa Nata is a venue that does one thing really, really well – serving up delectable Portuguese custard tarts. Bite-sized circles of custard with blackened caramelised tops, housed in flaky melt-in-your-mouth pastry. Especially moreish when served straight out of the oven and still warm! Whilst there’s often a line to get in, it’s always worth the wait, especially when the pastry chefs are putting on a show behind the street-facing kitchen window, making the next batch of the golden treats. Have one (or two) to dine-in with a coffee, and take a few more with you in their cute and clever take-away packaging. You won’t regret it!
846 High Street, Thornbury
3.1
Gertrude Contemporary
@gertrudecontemporaryGertrude Contemporary is a dynamic non-profit gallery in High Street, just north of Thornbury. It is Australia’s leading incubator of contemporary art (and the oldest, continually-running contemporary art centre in Australia!). The gallery serves as a vital platform for emerging talent, with regularly-changing exhibitions that showcase local and international artists. Housed in a repurposed furniture warehouse, the space is expansive with contemporary raw finishes – a ‘blank canvas’ for artists to present their work. Large- and small-scale sculptures, paintings and mixed media works that embrace risk-taking and innovation are displayed across the three gallery spaces. The gallery also houses artist studios to support artists in furthering their practice, with special open days offering a sneak peek into the creative process.
21–31 High Street, Preston
3.2
Plantsmith
@_plantsmith_Plantsmith is a sanctuary of green on the border of Thornbury and Preston. From lush ferns to towering palms, iconic Monsteras to trailing Devil’s Ivy, the collection spans both the familiar and the exotic. We especially love the plants that look more like painted sculptures than plants! Pots crafted by local artisans, natural fertilisers and expert gardening tools are also available, catering to both seasoned green thumbs and aspiring plant parents. Owner Liz is a qualified horticulturalist and runs a garden design consultancy as well as Plantsmith. She is always happy to provide tips on the best plant choice for specific conditions around the home and personalised advice to nurture thriving indoor gardens. We’ve got her to thank for our indoor jungle at home!
107 High Street, Preston
3.3
Arepa Days
@arepadaysThis sibling cafe to Fitzroy’s Sonido and Westgarth’s Todo Good Coffee, is a vibrant Colombian gem that’s perfect for brunch or lunch. The menu focuses on its namesake dish, arepas – a gluten-free South American flatbread that can be stuffed full of savoury options. From guacamole, chorizo and pulled pork, to eggs and bacon – you’ll have a hard time choosing. Or you can simply create your own combination! Other South American favourites, like empanadas and churros, are also available along with coffee by Todo Good Coffee, fresh juices (including tropical options like Lulo and sugar cane) and Colombian hot chocolate. Most of the menu is made from scratch in-house, with the arepa ‘lab’ also providing arepas for Sonido, Todo Good Coffee and other cafes around Melbourne.
25 Preston Street, Preston
3.4
Preston Market
@prestonmarketauPreston Market has been a well-loved icon within the Preston community for more than 50 years. It’s a lively, loud and sprawling indoor market, with over 120 stalls, that has a rich multicultural heritage. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian family businesses, some of which have been operating over 45 years, sit alongside newer innovative (and delicious) stalls, creating a diverse and vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find quality and value-for-money fruit, veggies, meat and seafood, but we love to go for the culinary delights. Find Turkish gozleme and borek, a Hong-Kong-inspired patisserie, French crepes, Indian samosas, Vietnamese classics, Venezuelan plates, cannoli, pizza, and hot jam donuts. Make sure you visit when you’re hungry!
30A The Centreway, Preston
4
Joe’s Market Garden
@ceresjoesgardenPreviously known as the Merri Creek Market Garden, Joe’s is a certified organic farm and part of the larger CERES precinct (2km south in Brunswick East). The farm is located on the banks of Merri Creek – with direct access from the Merri Creek Trail – and grows produce including vegetables, herbs and flowers. The produce is available to purchase through Joe’s farm-gate market (Friday and Saturday 9am–1pm) and CERES Fair Food. You’ll also find freshly-baked bread and pastries and coffee. During the warmer months, Joe’s offers a very popular flower picking experience (U-Pick), where you can pick your own bunch of flowers and get them wrapped into a bouquet to take home.
34 Edna Grove, Coburg
4.1
Skinnyʼs
@skinnys.eateryNamed after the owners’ two skinny whippets, Skinny’s is a retro diner housed in an old 1930s milk bar. The space has retained much of the charm from its past life, from the vibrant colour palette to the retro furniture. The American-inspired menu is filled with simple and nostalgic classics like sandwiches and bagels, hot wings, rarebit, French toast, salads and fruit plates. Be sure to leave room for the very popular chicken-salt hash browns and rotating menu of square donuts. The drinks menu is just as playful – there’s coffee from Atypical, Nippy’s cold milk cartons plus local beer and natural wine to drink in or take home. Soak up the rays out on the street or sink into one of the booths inside.
107 Gilbert Road, Preston
4.2
Poison City Records
@poisoncityPoison City Records is an independent record label, distributor and record store. Founded in 2003, the label used to reside in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, before moving to Preston in 2020. Poison City stocks a fabulous range of vinyl, including latest releases and unique, rare finds – with everything from indie rock to punk, hardcore to jazz. The owner is full of knowledge and happy to share suggestions. They are also a huge supporter of local artists – check out their Instagram for recommendations on new local releases and gigs. You’ll find merch, books and skateboard gear in the small store too.
60 Gilbert Road, Preston
4.3
Pinkyʼs
@pinkys_store_melbourneOn the border of Thornbury and Preston lies this pink-and-green-fronted, joy-filled gift store. Brimming with colourful and fun designs and homewares, everything in the store is curated by the owners, artist Emily Green and stylist Beckie Littler. You’ll find candles, ceramics, glassware, earrings (including by Emily Green), illustrated tea towels, toys, books, clothing and more. All from local labels, artists, designers and crafty types. Friendly touches, including a cubby nook for little shoppers, make it a welcoming destination for all ages. Pinky’s is the perfect spot for finding gifts for friends young and old, and you’ll find it hard not to leave the store with a gift for yourself too!
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