Imprint The Word Play in Art Space Exhibition On Saturday, May 17, High Street becomes a self-guided wine trail for the return of the Urban Wine Walk in Northcote. Grab your glass and explore local venues featuring top wines from independent winemakers. For more information on the event, head here Material Cause: Art x Textiles at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival Stitchin’ Stories: Blak and Threadly at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival The Nanny Fashion Exhibit in Melbourne Michaela Stark at The Calile Martin Grant Exhibition at NGV Itadaki Sydney Pop-Up Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" it was the hippest thing since the Fitzroy renaissance the rising tide of gentrification and the relentless push north has left it eating Thornbury’s dust It’s a historical curio that Separation Street once marked the line young, trend-aware home buyers feared to cross. Now the Darebin Road boundary between Northcote and Thornbury is blithely ignored Northcote would like to be mistaken for Thornbury so much that the food truck park and hipster hangout called “Welcome to Thornbury” is actually in – you guessed it – Northcote Browse Domain’s property and lifestyle magazines Jessica Lapira of the cafe Prior Thornbury is a local neighbourhood aficionado “I’ve grown up around the northern suburbs and there’s nothing quite like the north,” she says Having opened up Prior a week before lockdowns Captivatingly sleek and Scandi in its design with a brick floor and a central Cheminees Philippe fireplace Prior represents “new Thornbury” without alienating those who have lived here for decades “We get a real mixed bag of customers from all walks of life,” says Lapira the culture and community that make Thornbury so special.” Swing by Prior Thornbury on High Street for Inglewood coffee and potato hash topped with poached eggs grilled asparagus and herbed truffle dressing before taking off in either direction With Luke Sacco from Nelson Alexander Northcote There are so many great streets to choose from, like Keon Street, which is close to the Merri Creek parklands, and Fenwick Street, which has well-maintained heritage homes and a sense of community. There is a diverse cultural mix of residents, and that always makes for a good place to live. Why this inner-north neighbourhood was a no-go just 10 years ago Nico’s Sandwich Deli brings a slice of the city to Fitzroy This Victorian town might be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list I have often heard it said that Thornbury is a treasure trove for the unconventional shopper, with an eclectic mix of vintage stores, family-owned businesses and stores filled with hidden gems. If you want to get into nature, Pender’s Park is a local fave; my dog Duke also loves it. Head to Darebin Creek Trail for a great walk and a leafy escape. Thornbury has become the ideal alternative for those priced out of Northcote, attracting families seeking larger homes. We have found that as residents upsize or downsize, they love the suburb so much that they move around the corner or a few streets away. 3 Baths3 ParkingView listing Hit the Thornbury jackpot at this stylish home featuring chic designer flourishes such as elegant wainscoting panelling and bay windows, along with acres of stone and timber. The kitchen is a standout with its yellow-gold tapware and handles for its myriad cupboards, along with a huge butler’s pantry equipped with an array of mod-cons. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Developer Time & Place has doubled down in Northcote buying a site down the road from its $500 million Northcote Plaza project Records show Time & Place has slapped a caveat over 217-223 Separation Street a 1.78 hectare piece of land down the road The deal will be a welcome relief for Singaporean property giant Chip Eng Seng which paid $26.3 million for the site between Victoria Road and Station Street in 2015 It is understood the deal was done directly between vendor and buyer and their lips are sealed on the price Packaging manufacturer NCI Holdings had a factory/warehouse on the site and on an adjoining 9000 sq m block at No.235-239 which Canberra-based Bulum Group bought for $13.4 million There are short-term leaseholders using the buildings on the huge site They were put up for sale together in 2023 with hopes of around $60 million but despite plenty of interest from potential residential developers industrial zoning for this part of Separation Street made it difficult to get the deal over the line that does not appear to be a problem for Time & Place who told Capital Gain it was “expanding its growing portfolio with industrial assets becoming a key part of their balanced portfolio” The site sits between two parks – the vast McDonnell Park with ovals courts and the revamped Northcote Pool and the Rubie Thomson park across the street Time & Place won a permit at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in 2022 for a four tower 605-unit project on a 15,000 sq m site across the southern part of the Plaza on Separation Street The design by Fender Katsalidis includes 6500 sq m of new retail and an office building It was supposed to be completed by the end of 2025 but the locals continue to enjoy shopping Time & Place’s Northcote Plaza redevelopment will include more than 600 apartments US property giant Pembroke is steering its way into Australia’s build-to-rent market buying a site in the heart of Fitzroy from its well-established rival Records show Pembroke has paid $34.44 million for the old Streamline Print works a 2600 square metre T-shaped site at 155 Johnston Street reportedly paid $32 million for the site in 2022 and will run the project on Pembroke’s behalf It is developing plans for a $200 million 11-storey building with 200 units a gym and a ground floor garden and courtyard The move is part of Pembroke’s strategy to diversify its investments into a portfolio of office residential and mixed-use projects in major cities around the world It already owns the T&G Building at 161 Collins Street A much-storied office building on East Melbourne’s Victoria Parade is back on the market after 30 years in the hands of veteran investors The Melbourne IVF fertility clinic is moving out of 344 Victoria Parade at the end of May to Hines’ new 15-storey timber building Henkell Brothers bought the 2444 sq m three-storey building from Pratt Industries in 1995 paying $3.92 million on a super-soft yield of 10.5 per cent Pratt Industries had paid $3.1 million in 1991 for the architect-designed building after it passed in at a mortgagee auction for $2.9 million it was still a bargain because Melbourne property values had plummeted during the early 1990s recession The Victorian Public Service Association had been prepared to pay $7.12 million for the city-fringe office before the recession hit It’s expected to fetch around $15 million this time with CBRE agents Nick Peden A part-finished 14-storey apartment building in downtown Dandenong has sold and settled Records show Promax Construction director and co-owner Ozan Girgin has paid $14.13 million for the property at 27 Scott Street About $24 million had already been spent on the 107-unit building including concrete columns up to level 13 and fire stairs to level 12 A receiver’s report indicated 27 Scott Street Andrew Milligan and Chao Zhang ran the sales campaign for Grant Thornton who took charge of the building last October A brand-new animal hospital in Highett has sold for around $10 million to a private investor is next door to the old hospital which AEC has operated for 40 years undertaken with Unified Property Services and Tom Shelton’s Bridport Property AEC is owned by the Greencross Pet Wellness Company The 1302 sq m property draws a passing income of $55,350 a year on a 10-year lease with two five-year options The deal reflected a yield of around 5.5 per cent and was negotiated by CBRE’s Sandro Peluso City investors are heading to regional areas and the city fringe for stronger returns on retail assets Maryborough sold under the hammer for $2.6 million on a 6.4 per cent yield Rorey James and Ian Lam handled the auction under instruction from Mark Wizel’s Advise Transact The buyer was a Melbourne-based superannuation fund The ASX-listed retailer was sold during the campaign to Canadian retail giant Dollarama in a deal worth $259 million a Gusman Y Gomez outlet at 74 Princes Highway fetched $4.34 million to record a tight yield of 4.79 per cent The strata-titled drive-through fast food joint was developed in 2022 and had seven years remaining on its lease That auction was run by CBRE’s Scott Hawthorne who also sold an empty former Hungry Jack’s drive-through outlet at 85 High Street in the Geelong suburb of Belmont The incoming purchaser is planning to lease the property to a new tenant in the fast food sector The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each weekday afternoon it was \\u201Cexpanding its growing portfolio with industrial assets becoming a key part of their balanced portfolio\\u201D The site sits between two parks \\u2013 the vast McDonnell Park with ovals US property giant Pembroke is steering its way into Australia\\u2019s build-to-rent market and will run the project on Pembroke\\u2019s behalf The move is part of Pembroke\\u2019s strategy to diversify its investments into a portfolio of office A much-storied office building on East Melbourne\\u2019s Victoria Parade is back on the market after 30 years in the hands of veteran investors The Melbourne IVF fertility clinic is moving out of 344 Victoria Parade at the end of May to Hines\\u2019 new 15-storey timber building It\\u2019s expected to fetch around $15 million this time with CBRE agents Nick Peden on the western edge of Dandenong\\u2019s CBD A receiver\\u2019s report indicated 27 Scott Street undertaken with Unified Property Services and Tom Shelton\\u2019s Bridport Property The deal reflected a yield of around 5.5 per cent and was negotiated by CBRE\\u2019s Sandro Peluso under instruction from Mark Wizel\\u2019s Advise Transact That auction was run by CBRE\\u2019s Scott Hawthorne who also sold an empty former Hungry Jack\\u2019s drive-through outlet at 85 High Street in the Geelong suburb of Belmont The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day\\u2019s trading Tired of Fitzroy but you aren’t keen on heading back into the CBD Hop on the 86 tram line for a couple of stops and you’ll find yourself in the celebrated suburb of Northcote A breeding ground for progressive culture and live music the music venues in Northcote nail the quintessential experience of inner-north nightlife Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here A post shared by Wesley Anne (@thewesleyanne) The iconic Wesley Anne is not only a revered abode for a tasty meal, they’ve got live music too and they’ve well and truly fired up the amps. Wurli, Paige Black and Ade Ishs are some of the names you will have caught over the last few years, while the likes of Rayhab, Alex Taylor and Rosario De Marco are to come. A post shared by High Note (@highnote_____) With two distinct adjoining spaces placed on either side of the iconic Northcote Theatre, High Note is a brand-new live music venue and community space in the heart of Northcote. Hosting workshops, art exhibitions and live music, it ultimately creates a uniquely multifaceted experience. A post shared by Merri Creek Tavern (@merricreektavern) Live music is what this cosy local hangout thrives on Serving as a hub for Melbourne’s burgeoning music scene its intimate setting is the ideal spot to gather with friends and experience performances from new and established local vinyl records are the soundtrack to the cosy bar area while the back room comes alive with the sounds of live bands With an impressive selection of beers on offer you’ll be spoiled for choice as you take in the welcoming atmosphere and friendly vibes you can easily order in from the many nearby eateries which range from Sri Lankan Japanese and good old-fashioned fish’n’chips A post shared by Open Studio Live Music Bar (@openstudiobar) Northcote’s Open Studio is full of live music as it brings some of Melbourne’s brightest music talents to its space There’s more where that came from with heaps of gigs booked over the coming months so check out this wonderfully intimate and rather bohemian live music venue A post shared by Northcote Social Club (@northcotesocialclub) There’s no question that when you think of Melbourne live music venues, the Northcote Social Club is one of the first that pops into mind. It’s a chilled, laid-back space that garners a chill crowd who are there just for the music. A post shared by Northcote Theatre (@northcotetheatre) Luckily, there’s a lot more to Northcote Theatre than just good looks. There’s oodles of space, and the mezzanine, bar access and viewing angles are all exceptional. A post shared by Bar 303 Northcote (@303thebar) With an eclectic mix of performances spanning all imaginable genres – and some unimaginable ones – you’ll be treated to a vastly different band each time you go 303 is a bastion of livelihood in the wee hours of the morning inviting you to dance the night away while the rest of High Street sleeps With a consistently interesting and eclectic mix of performances – their booked acts ranging from blues and jazz to rock – there’s something for everyone at Bar 303 Each time you go you’ll be treated to a vastly different band Bar 303 puts on the iconic Hammond Sessions by Hawker Heights where the trio bring out the Hammond organ and tear through steamy blues soulful R&B and vintage jazz for a sophisticated If you’d like to know about the best music venues in other suburbs around Melbourne, be sure to check out our comprehensive list here. A developer has snapped up this prized 696sq m corner block A grand Edwardian home in Northcote has exceeded expectations at auction selling for $1.91m — far above its price guide of $1.55m-$1.65m The three-bedroom, one-bathroom property at 94 Collins St had been in the same family for nearly 70 years attracting significant buyer interest ahead of auction day Sitting on a 696sq m corner block with dual-street frontage McGrath Northcote’s Michael Divito said the home’s period charm and redevelopment potential made it one of the most talked-about properties in Northcote this year RELATED: We’ll pay off a home in 6 years: Young buyers’ plan revealed Grant Hackett tries for $8.4m Melbourne score Avoid the area: women steering clear of St Kilda amid crime fears with an opening bid of $1.605m – we had 29 contracts issued and expected four to six bidders three buyers actively competed,” Mr Divito said with bidding surging $260,000 above the price guide The home had significant interest — not just from serious buyers but also locals and neighbours keen to see inside a home that hadn’t been sold in generations attracted homebuyers and developers eyeing its prime location While the home’s original period features — including soaring decorative ceilings and timber floors — drew plenty of admirers Mr Divito said it was the size and location of the block that fuelled competition between bidders “This property offered a rare combination — a sizeable corner allotment in a prime Northcote pocket “Some buyers saw a dream renovation project while others recognised its redevelopment value Strong interest in the 696sq m block pushed the final price well beyond expectations “That mix of interest really drove the result.” is expected to redevelop or transform the property With buyers drawn to its potential for renovation or redevelopment the auction result signals strong demand for land in Melbourne’s inner north and this sale shows that quality homes on large blocks are still commanding premium prices.” Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Why this Yarraville home has buyers talking all weekend Werribee auction surprise: Why buyers wont back down Melbourne buyers risk missing out amid anticipated rate cut third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. By Alex Crowe Frank Apostolopoulos has been cutting hair on High Street in Northcote for almost 50 years.Credit: PENNY STEPHENS There’s a new shop setting up next door to Frank’s Hairdressing in Northcote “Since I’ve been here it’s probably changed hands about 10 or 12 times,” barber George Karmis says over the buzz of clippers Karmis has watched them come and go through the barbers’ window near the busy Separation Street intersection for 20 years – practically a Northcote newbie compared with his father-in-law Frank Apostolopoulos “The only one to remain the same in this street is me,” Apostolopoulos confirms Aussie boys sported Beatles’ dos when he set up shop among Melbourne’s largest Greek community in 1975 Northcote Plaza hadn’t opened at the former Northcote Brick Co site The billionaire who built the platform for its 17,000 Facebook fans – on The Northcote Plaza Appreciation Society page – was not even born but with a blade – or “egg haircuts” were preferred options at Frank’s this week At $20 for a cut or traditional-style shave– “we don’t believe in inflation” – it’s no surprise Karmis is too busy to stop and chat “That’s why we’re getting some of the young kids come in,” he says “They don’t want to pay the hipster prices.” the Northcote pub that replaced the working-class Commercial Hotel is busy Northcote Social Club manager Emily Ferris has worked for the same hospitality group for 20 years.Credit: Wayne Taylor The Northcote Social Club turns 20 next year still under two of the same three owners who transformed the Commercial greets a man in his 60s wearing sandals and nursing a midday pot as she sits down “The reason it’s stuck it out for so long is because it is such a part of the community,” Ferris says Inspired by the original Punters Club in Fitzroy – once owned by a Northcote Social Club partner – the High Street band room has been the big stage for many homegrown international stars performed there on his debut headline tour in 2018 Indie rock legend Courtney Barnett worked the bar and performed songs from her EP I’ve got a friend called Emily Ferris there in her early 20s Lady Gaga even partied with staff on American Independence Day on her 2012 tour of Australia that night might have lived on only in memories The Northcote Social Club underwent renovations in 2015 a spruce up not exactly embraced by regulars The pushback against change – and recognition of it – is perhaps why it has survived gentrification From an over-50s crowd for a Toto cover band on Sunday to 18-year-olds packing out the venue for Wet Denim the night before “I worked a shift once where we had a baby shower function on the deck and a death metal band playing in the band room,” she says High Street has received two big cash injections from the state that predominantly benefited live-music venues The Eighty-Six festival debuted last year and was heralded a success by live-music operators pitched as a return to “Melbourne’s best street party” the Northcote Rise festival was held on High Street in 2023 after a 13-year hiatus Northcote Theatre booking manager Ben Thompson ahead of a mid-week gig at the revamped venue.Credit: PENNY STEPHENS “We have lost the High Street festival – when everyone would just go out on the street and get loose and have a good time,” music venue booking manager Ben Thompson says Thompson is inside the grandiose Northcote Theatre For decades the more than 100-year-old building sat largely unused in the heart of Northcote the dust swept away for the odd wedding reception Having moved north from Fitzroy 15 years ago Thompson was once among the passersby who peeped through the closed double-door windows at the auditorium inside where Thompson sits above the theatre stage this week had become a boarded up home for pigeons when he stepped inside for the first time four years ago “I love seeing people’s faces as they come in here,” he says “So many people have walked past with no idea it opened up into such a great Thompson says the social club showed patrons promotors and artists that gigs sold out in Northcote “A lot of the artistic community moved out to Northcote and Brunswick and the northern suburbs when Fitzroy and Collingwood and Richmond all became a bit too expensive,” he says “I think they realised after a while that it has that population.” the Darebin Council – perhaps surprisingly – approved a licence for the 1500 capacity live-music venue smack bang in the middle of a dense residential area Opening with a sold-out Spiderbait show in July 2022 the Northcote Theatre has since put on about 200 shows “I’ve seen Northcote grow in the last 20 years into a really dynamic exciting centre for artistry,” Thompson says Northcote sits on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri-willam people a clan of several extended families that were the original occupants of what are now Melbourne’s northern suburbs Despite the federal electorate of Cooper being held by Labor in all but two elections in the past century the suburb is likely named after a British conservative a conservative member for Exeter in the House of Commons was sworn in as governor-general of Australia in 1904 and served until 1908 Back then Cooper was known as Batman – but the seat swapped the name of the man who founded Melbourne to the name of the Indigenous man who led the fight for Indigenous rights The first government land sales were for farming in 1839 By the 1880s Northcote had become the second-largest municipality for brick production in Victoria making use of large sedimentary clays beds that lay just below its surface Shops and houses began appearing on High Street after it became the main transport route to farms in the Plenty Valley you’ll see them spruiking Northcote’s “top-performing public school zone” Former Northcote High School principal Kate Morris has helped make it a selling point “A really good public school is worth a lot of money,” Morris says “You can buy a more expensive house if you don’t have to send your kids to private school.” Northcote High opened as an all-boys school in 1929 and while girls were accepted in the 1980s male students still outnumbered them when Morris took the reins in 2008 Families’ concern over the gender imbalance was self-perpetuating: parents opted to send their girls where they wouldn’t be outnumbered Former Northcote High School Principal Kate Morris at Tinker cafe.Credit: Penny Stephens Morris says the school struggled to shake its all-boys reputation “That was more a vibe … more folklore than fact that we weren’t a school for everyone,” she says “The world was changing rapidly and we needed to change with it.” And so began a community engagement project that sought buy-in from Northcote families “My goal was to get the confidence of the community in the fact that our school could deliver a really top quality education for their child the school was accused of attempting to rebrand itself as an elite state school when it responded to dwindling numbers in its Greek and Italian classes by phasing them out Morris was forced to backflip after a backlash from the Greek Orthodox Community. She can laugh about it “We had a lot of argy-bargy with the Greek community,” Morris says For now... The City of Darebin’s Greek community remains the second largest in Victoria but the 2021 census showed only 3.5 per cent of Northcote residents were born in Greece The wave who arrived after World War II reached retirement age and many of their families have been priced out during Northcote’s seemingly boundless boom Jane Morton purchased an old boarding house for $45,000 on a rundown street near Merri Creek in the early 80s more than 40 per cent of Northcote houses sold were in the lowest Melbourne price quartile “The houses on this side were all nice Edwardian and the houses on that side are all California bungalows,” Morton says Morton saved a deposit after two years working as a psychology graduate at what was then the Mont Park Psychiatric Hospital She paid it off a few years later with one of Jeff Kennett’s redundancy packages Northcote’s median house price rose from $820,000 to $1.66 million Just as the children of the Italian and Greek settlers of the 60s have been priced out so too have the children of the hippies who arrived in the 70s after being shown a graph of the Arctic ice melt climbed atop trucks to stop Melbourne traffic and been arrested seven times Looking out over the yard that first attracted her to the house that became a home for her blended family’s five children Morton considers what they think of her activism they think I’m wasting my time because we’re already f---ed and they don’t think I’m going to change it,” she says Morton was part of the reason Darebin was the first council in the world to declare a climate emergency Her climate action group had been active for eight years by then but The idea of the emergency declaration came just ahead of a Darebin council election The group pressured candidates to declare publicly their stance on declaring an emergency “An activist was in the car park as they were going into the first council meeting you guys are going to declare an emergency then’,” Morton says “They just did and it was the first in the world.” and has reached thousands of countries around the world the restoration of Merri Creek took it from an industrial dump site to its current glory Flowing the length of the border with Brunswick the Merri Creek’s bike and walking trails near Morton’s house have made it a Northcote landmark While Northcote is clearly quite white and fairly rich The number of same-sex couples living in Northcote on Census night in 2021 was 4.9 per cent well above Greater Melbourne’s 1.6 per cent making Northcote one of the suburbs with the highest percentage of lesbians behind Brunswick Northcote Social Club manager Scout Tester says the queer community in the north is welcoming.Credit: Wayne Taylor “The queer community is definitely vibrant here,” says Tester who prefers the gender-neutral pronoun they “It sticks out like a beautiful sore thumb.” Tester puts the high percentage of queers in the north down to a natural migration process They said seeing people you recognise as like you in the streets is a drawcard to members of any community “There’s something about Melbourne that we’re lucky to get to live freely “People naturally gather and I think Northcote has that vibe … it has a piece for everyone not just the queer community but the Greek community that has been here forever and the Italian community that has been here forever.” Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter. There\\u2019s a new shop setting up next door to Frank\\u2019s Hairdressing in Northcote \\u201CSince I\\u2019ve been here it\\u2019s probably changed hands about 10 or 12 times,\\u201D barber George Karmis says over the buzz of clippers Karmis has watched them come and go through the barbers\\u2019 window near the busy Separation Street intersection for 20 years \\u2013 practically a Northcote newbie compared with his father-in-law Frank Apostolopoulos \\u201CThe only one to remain the same in this street is me,\\u201D Apostolopoulos confirms Aussie boys sported Beatles\\u2019 dos when he set up shop among Melbourne\\u2019s largest Greek community in 1975 Northcote Plaza hadn\\u2019t opened at the former Northcote Brick Co site The billionaire who built the platform for its 17,000 Facebook fans \\u2013 on The Northcote Plaza Appreciation Society page \\u2013 was not even born \\u201CShort back and sides\\u201D \\u2013 think buzz cut but with a blade \\u2013 or \\u201Cegg haircuts\\u201D were preferred options at Frank\\u2019s this week At $20 for a cut or traditional-style shave\\u2013 \\u201Cwe don\\u2019t believe in inflation\\u201D \\u2013 it\\u2019s no surprise Karmis is too busy to stop and chat \\u201CThat\\u2019s why we\\u2019re getting some of the young kids come in,\\u201D he says \\u201CThey don\\u2019t want to pay the hipster prices.\\u201D \\u201CThe reason it\\u2019s stuck it out for so long is because it is such a part of the community,\\u201D Ferris says \\u201CPeople have a lot of ownership over it and it hasn\\u2019t really changed that much.\\u201D Inspired by the original Punters Club in Fitzroy \\u2013 once owned by a Northcote Social Club partner \\u2013 the High Street band room has been the big stage for many homegrown international stars Indie rock legend Courtney Barnett worked the bar and performed songs from her EP I\\u2019ve got a friend called Emily Ferris there in her early 20s The pushback against change \\u2013 and recognition of it \\u2013 is perhaps why it has survived gentrification Ferris says there\\u2019s no typical customer \\u201CI worked a shift once where we had a baby shower function on the deck and a death metal band playing in the band room,\\u201D she says \\u201CIt\\u2019s such a melting pot.\\u201D pitched as a return to \\u201CMelbourne\\u2019s best street party\\u201D \\u201CWe have lost the High Street festival \\u2013 when everyone would just go out on the street and get loose and have a good time,\\u201D music venue booking manager Ben Thompson says \\u201CBut I think we\\u2019ve gained a lot more.\\u201D \\u201CI love seeing people\\u2019s faces as they come in here,\\u201D he says \\u201CSo many people have walked past with no idea it opened up into such a great \\u201CA lot of the artistic community moved out to Northcote and Brunswick and the northern suburbs when Fitzroy and Collingwood and Richmond all became a bit too expensive,\\u201D he says \\u201CI think they realised after a while that it has that population.\\u201D the Darebin Council \\u2013 perhaps surprisingly \\u2013 approved a licence for the 1500 capacity live-music venue \\u201CI\\u2019ve seen Northcote grow in the last 20 years into a really dynamic exciting centre for artistry,\\u201D Thompson says a clan of several extended families that were the original occupants of what are now Melbourne\\u2019s northern suburbs Back then Cooper was known as Batman \\u2013 but the seat swapped the name of the man who founded Melbourne you\\u2019ll see them spruiking Northcote\\u2019s \\u201Ctop-performing public school zone\\u201D \\u201CA really good public school is worth a lot of money,\\u201D Morris says \\u201CYou can buy a more expensive house if you don\\u2019t have to send your kids to private school.\\u201D Families\\u2019 concern over the gender imbalance was self-perpetuating: parents opted to send their girls where they wouldn\\u2019t be outnumbered \\u201CThat was more a vibe \\u2026 more folklore than fact that we weren\\u2019t a school for everyone,\\u201D she says \\u201CThe world was changing rapidly and we needed to change with it.\\u201D \\u201CMy goal was to get the confidence of the community in the fact that our school could deliver a really top quality education for their child Morris was forced to backflip after a She can laugh about it \\u201CWe had a lot of argy-bargy with the Greek community,\\u201D Morris says signed up for Greek and Greek continues.\\u201D The City of Darebin\\u2019s Greek community remains the second largest in Victoria and many of their families have been priced out during Northcote\\u2019s seemingly boundless boom \\u201CThe houses on this side were all nice Edwardian and the houses on that side are all California bungalows,\\u201D Morton says She paid it off a few years later with one of Jeff Kennett\\u2019s redundancy packages Northcote\\u2019s median house price rose from $820,000 to $1.66 million Looking out over the yard that first attracted her to the house that became a home for her blended family\\u2019s five children they think I\\u2019m wasting my time because we\\u2019re already f---ed and they don\\u2019t think I\\u2019m going to change it,\\u201D she says \\u201CSometimes I\\u2019m not sure either weren\\u2019t clear what it was asking for \\u201CAn activist was in the car park as they were going into the first council meeting you guys are going to declare an emergency then\\u2019,\\u201D Morton says \\u201CThey just did and it was the first in the world.\\u201D the Merri Creek\\u2019s bike and walking trails near Morton\\u2019s house have made it a Northcote landmark well above Greater Melbourne\\u2019s 1.6 per cent \\u201CThe queer community is definitely vibrant here,\\u201D says Tester \\u201CIt sticks out like a beautiful sore thumb.\\u201D \\u201CThere\\u2019s something about Melbourne that we\\u2019re lucky to get to live freely \\u201CPeople naturally gather and I think Northcote has that vibe \\u2026 it has a piece for everyone not just the queer community but the Greek community that has been here forever and the Italian community that has been here forever.\\u201D entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy Cooking has always been an act of care for Lanka Imiyaarachchige As her family’s eldest daughter (loku means “eldest” in Sinhalese) she has been preparing meals for her household since she was a young girl in Sri Lanka That same domestic vibe is on full display in her Northcote restaurant you’re welcomed into Imiyaarachchige’s home to enjoy the food she cooks for her family I have to come here to eat the food I used to get easily at home,” she says The menu at Loku is both a memoir and a manifesto It stretches back to Imiyaarachchige’s childhood of caring for her mixed Tamil-Sinhalese family in Kuliyapitiya and reflects the dream she’s had since moving to Australia in the 1990s – to introduce Australians to “Sri Lanka’s real taste” travel spots and more – curated by those who know a classic dish from the island’s Dutch colonial era It sees rice with your choice of protein served alongside piquant fried eggplant (cooked with Imiyaarachchige’s own roasted curry powder) There are other classics such as pot biryani and roast paan (a yeasted flatbread) with turmeric butter as well as 12 curries including Sri Lankan chicken But the menu isn’t just a culinary history lesson – it’s also a showcase for Imiyaarachchige’s creativity then served on a betel leaf finished with sesame oil Imiyaarachchige based the idea on an uncooked Sinhalese curry called goda hodda made by her Tamil mother There’s also a good variety of desserts, including watalappam, a coconut custard pudding with a strong jaggery flavour as well as Imiyaarachchige’s version of falooda A good selection of wines from Yarra Valley is available as well as a small selection of whisky and non-alcoholic Sri Lankan soft drinks so expect some changes in the cooler months which might include Imiyaarachchige’s favourite: jackfruit curry @loku_srilankankitchen Bakeries and Restaurants That Opened or Closed in April 32 of the Hottest Dishes and Drinks in Melbourne Right Now Menu Reveal: Five Things To Order at Junda Khoo’s Ho Liao First Look: Filipino Pop-Up Palay Moves to Fitzroy for Good Kearney and Marles announce federal commitment and celebrate the legacy of Greek Australians from war heroes to carers Greek senior citizens gathered at the Centre of Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Elderly Citizens Club in Northcote for a community lunch and to hear from the Member for Cooper She was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence who is the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care but more important than that you keep your culture alive.” She announced a $20,000 commitment by the Albanese government—if re-elected—to refurbish the Reservoir and Northcote senior citizen centres “to make them better for you so that when you come here that you come to facilities that are fresh “The contribution that the Greek community has made to this beautiful country of ours is immeasurable and we can’t thank you enough for that “The groups like this keep people from being isolated It gets everyone out of their home – groups like this organisation make sure people don’t suffer from loneliness and isolation,” the minister said Special guest Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles spoke about attending Greek National Day celebrations three weeks ago “We thought about the heroes of 1821 and the pride and the spirit of that moment a spirit and pride imbued in modern Greece and a spirit the Greek diaspora has brought with them around the world “It is impossible to conceive a modern Australia today without the contribution of the Greek community and so much of what makes our country so special today is by virtue of the contribution that’s been made by the Greek community.” The Minister for Defence also emphasised the fact that Greeks have historically fought alongside Anzacs as allies He noted that many Greek Australians have served in the Australian Defence Forces the work you do in this community – for seniors We would not be here without you today.” while busy serving a Pascha fish lunch to hungry seniors took a moment to speak briefly to Neos Kosmos “Ged is very good; we need this support,” she told Neos Kosmos Froso one of the members and her sister Voula “I came here 56 years ago and was a young girl of 16 now look at me” laughed Froso to socialise and not feel so isolated.” Marles made a beeline toward a Greek veteran The Korean War veteran was asked by Neos Kosmos how he felt “It is not good feeling; war is never a good thing Marles then underscored the deep connection between Greek and Australian servicemen and told Neos Kosmos which had multiple nations fighting under the banner of the UN—and I think the gentleman who was in the UN as part of the Greek army—that is a moment where Australians and Greek servicemen were fighting side by side “The Greek community has been wearing the Australian uniform as well we thought of our allies from the first onwards I think what characterises service is a sense of camaraderie.” The event was also attended by the Mayor of Darebin Kristine Olaris; Deputy Mayor Emily Dimitriadis; and the State Member for Northcote Bec Moore and Kieran Spiteri — know how to cafe They've figured out the magic algorithm to make a successful breakfast and lunch spot and are now taking it one step further with Ophelia right on the Westgarth end of Northcote's High Street the team runs Ophelia as a somewhat classic cafe in the morning before switching things up as the day goes on — becoming more of a wine bar and long lunch destination you'll find Euro-leaning dishes like the savoury buckwheat galette layered with roast zucchini aleppo pepper and nigella seeds; staropolska sausage served with mustard-braised cabbage pickled wildwood fennel and a fried egg; and a caramelised milk loaf sitting on a bed of citrus curd and topped with spiced cardamom sugar You can also keep it super simple by just getting two eggs on Iris toast These include a barramundi rillette with rye toast and a panko chicken thigh with caper honey mustard There's also a ploughman's platter that comes with pickles market cheese and cold cuts from Savour and Grace A cabinet full of takeaway goodies also features throughout the day The team describes the menu as not quite being a classic breakfast nor your usual lunch but instead filling the space between these mealtimes You can mix and match dishes from both sections of the menu to create something that more closely resembles whatever dining situation you prefer — either pairing it with coffee Music is chosen from the floor-to-ceiling record wall the doors shut at 4pm every vday of the week but the crew is planning to launch a nighttime offering in summer — leaning even further into those wine bar vibes The rear façade of this Melbourne house is clad with steel poles that both create privacy and let in natural light as does the plywood ceiling alcove embedded with skylights while the lower level is reached via a curved plywood staircase Northcote House is designed by architects David Leggett and Paul Loh as their own home in Melbourne timber-strutted awning initiated the analogy – a grand gesture on a pint-sized block behind a row of shops Designed by architects David Leggett and Paul Loh as their own home the house was years in the making and has received numerous accolades since its completion earlier this year including an award from the Australian Institute of Architects The couple spent considerable time prototyping materials for their build from a warehouse in the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Preston, which is also the main base for their studio, LLDS. Both had studied and worked in London but knew there was a ‘project’ waiting for them in Melbourne on their return That project was building a new two-storey house on a 100 sq m plot that had previously been used as a car parking space And as the duo’s Preston warehouse is dedicated to creating CNC materials shared with miniature schnauzer Merlin Junior was always going to be a testing ground for experimentation ‘We’ve always admired the work of Alison and Peter Smithson,’ adds the latter captured in the treatment of the concrete walls that are ridged or fluted with the top level given over to the kitchen and dining area Pivotal to the design are 13 brass-lined skylights placed in the ceiling’s alcove in varying depths ‘We wanted to diffuse the overhead sunlight as well as explore what could be achieved using CNC technology,’ says Leggett The two bedrooms on the lower level each come with an ensuite A small passage outside one of the shower rooms is referred to as the ‘drying area’ Storage for both the bedrooms is kept to a minimum with the main bedroom having built-in plywood joinery that necessitates the folding of Loh’s prized Issey Miyake collection (more items can be stored under the bed) escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox featuring a CNC-milled plywood balustrade and brass-clad treads wrapping around a curved snug (with its built-in day bed that appears to have been ‘chiselled’ from the wall cavity) and the 9m-high steel flue of the fireplace – the design was conceived to flood the house with natural light and to allow the warmth of the flue to permeate The couple spend most of the time either in the snug or around the kitchen’s Corian bench (a bespoke creation by LLDS along with the dining table and accompanying chairs) which is loaded with native planting for thermal insulation Accessed via an external spiral steel staircase this area becomes almost like another room And while the spaces are modest (the footprint measures just 80 sq m) there’s a sense of joy and delight to be found at every turn which includes an impression of pressed lips shows the couple’s innovative advances with CNC technology Northcote House continually changes with the seasons and can be closed or opened up entirely allowing for cross ventilation and a strong connection to the elements It’s a striking champion of small-footprint living llds.com.au Stephen Crafti started writing on Architecture & Design in the early 1990s after purchasing a modernist 1950s house designed by Neil Montgomery Crafti is still as passionate and excited about seeing and writing on contemporary architecture and design having published 50 books to date as well as writing for leading newspapers and magazines Police have asked the public to assist with the investigation of a Northcote collision which seriously injured a bike rider in July A 28-year-old rider was taken to hospital with serious leg and head injuries after the collision at the intersection of High Street and Darebin Road about 7pm on Wednesday 31 July believed to be a light-coloured Toyota sedan briefly stopped at the scene before fleeing The sedan was last seen driving on east along Darebin Road towards Victoria Road Investigators from Greensborough Highway Patrol have released footage of the vehicle involved Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppers.com.au Become a Member and help fund our advocacy work Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter The Great Victorian Bike Ride is set to return in 2025 on 24–28 November offering an exciting new format while keeping the spirit of this beloved event alive Bicycle Network Memberships offer benefits to all kinds of riders The Peaks Challenge Ride2School fundraiser is on again for this year's epic event on Sunday 9 March The City of Adelaide will undertake a speed limit review to understand the need for reducing speeds to support business and residents and create a safer city environment Work on the much-anticipated $38.9 million Sydney Harbour Bridge ramp upgrade has begun the bike lane will link the country's most famous bridge to the bike network in Milsons Point we launched our Affiliate Membership program specially designed for cycling groups and clubs Orange in New South Wales is in line for a nice new stretch of bike path one that will expand the off-road network and improve access to schools Work has kicked off on a key Canberra bike route setting the wheels in motion for safer and more pleasant journeys through the city’s northern suburbs In a submission to the federal government’s draft National Urban Policy Bicycle Network and seven other Australian bicycle organisations have called for active transport infrastructure funding to be increased to 10% of federal transport investment Many of our best bike journeys are along coastlines or up and down the creeks and rivers that meet the sea But with rising sea levels some of this vital infrastructure is at threat of inundation erosion and from changes in groundwater chemistry No matter if you live in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne, or you’re meeting some friends for dinner in the area, the best restaurants in Northcote also happen to be some of the finest in the city High Street is the heart of the suburb’s dining scene and the entire length of the vibrant thoroughfare features a calibre of restaurants and pubs you’ll want to keep coming back to But what are the very best restaurants in Northcote Northcote didn’t have too many eateries worth writing home about apart from a handful of the usual publicans and local cafes googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-ArticlesPOS3'); }); RELATED: The 32 Best Restaurants In Surry Hills Right Now The area has become a hub for good dining and great drinking offering one of the most cosmopolitan ranges of cuisine in Melbourne’s inner suburbs — particularly if you’re a fan of high-quality Greek and Italian cuisine let’s get into the best restaurants in Northcote with a few stand-out establishments you’ll want to commit to memory googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-ArticlesPOS4'); }); If there was one restaurant that indelibly changed the face of High Street, Northcote, forever, it is Scott Pickett’s Estelle. From the man behind Collingwood local, Smith St Bistrot Estelle opened its doors in 2011 and paved the way for the bustling dining scene we enjoy within the suburb today As a restaurant that functions equally well as a wine bar the cocktail and wine lists are excellent (made even better by the Thursday — Saturday happy hour) the food menu is all about classics: think pork belly Even though High Street is best known for more casual fare Estelle has thrived for more than a decade for very good reason googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-ArticlesPOS5'); }); A venue that fuses the best of a European deli and bistro there’s an uncompromising focus on quality ingredients at Zsa’s that we love cavatelli and fettuccine are freshly made daily; as well as a fridge stacked with mouthwatering charcuterie and a generous selection of anchovies there probably isn’t a better spot on High Street for a long lunch than Zsa’s (the context in which I first experienced the venue) with a wine list built using European and locally sourced bottles as well as a decent range of pre-batched bottled cocktails If you’re hungry for fresh food, great service, and a crisp bottle of white, this is an absolute must-visit (no matter whether brunch or dinner) One of the dining trends with the most staying power in Melbourne’s eclectic dining scene has been the rise and rise of the posh suburban pizza joint No longer satisfied with pre-shredded cheese poured out of 5kg bags and mystery ‘ham’ the denizens of the inner city demanded better and the team at Pizza Meine Liebe (“pizza my love” in German) have been satisfying this demand successfully for longer than almost any other I’ve eaten here a handful of times and have never left unsatisfied paired with quality ingredients and decent drinking options but if you’re in good company the ambience of the space and quality of the core product are enough to justify a visit Alongside The Horn African Cafe & Restaurant Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant is another of the best Ethiopian restaurants outside of Footscray pumping out fresh injera and family-sized plates of stew your first impression of the space is the brilliant fragrance of the kitchen followed by wafting sounds of traditional Ethiopian music — provided The bar resembles the kind of traditional thatched hut you might find on the outskirts of Addis Ababa serving up classic Ethiopian beers such as St and bringing a real sense of warmth to the venue Authentically excellent Ethiopian food isn’t a particularly common phenomenon in Melbourne which is why Mesob often sports lines out the door all week long Vex Dining is the result of a trio of Melbourne hospitality veterans coming together to create their ideal establishment: filled with natural light A dinner-only establishment (apart from the recently introduced $60 three-course lunch set) the menu is predominantly vegetarian with the exception of a few key dishes; and almost all of the ingredients have been ethically farmed Vex Dining also offers a set menu that delivers a little taste of everything to your table (which is arguably the best way to experience what the kitchen is capable of) A legendary venue that’s been pulling pints for over two decades the Northcote Social Club delivers on everything you’d expect from a pub yet with the addition of some seriously good live music Sharing an owner with the Corner Hotel in Richmond (an iconic Melbourne music venue in its own right) it’s no wonder the Northcote Social Club is able to so consistently book top quality bands and live acts The venue offers a solid range of beers on tap and decent cocktails; as well as the classic weekly food specials and beer jugs that everyone loves From the neon glow of the animated “pinched fingers” sign outside to the impressive list of digestivi and amari on the menu Va Penne is Italian through and through: offering locals and visitors alike a taste of the Mediterranean in Northcote you can also expect modestly proportioned pizzas and plenty of Italian wine producers available by the glass or bottle No matter if you’re perched at the bar or enjoying some sunshine in the rear courtyard Va Penne is a delightful venue that’s hard to visit just once If you’re on ‘date night’ duty or are simply after a venue with a requisite amount of cosiness Gray and Gray offers a perfect option with just 28 seats and a menu focused on hearty Russian and Georgian cuisine Opened by two Russian-Jewish friends raised in New York their focus aligns on quality wine from unexpected regions; and plating up distinctive flavours you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in Northcote The menu includes dishes like whipped potato dip with smoked eel and salmon roe Located down the bottom of High Street’s Ruckers Hill and opposite the famed Westgarth Cinema Primo is another venue known for slinging some of the best pizza north of Carlton Owned by a team of Melbourne hospo veterans (the same folks behind Barry Primo presents as a well-thought-out establishment — from the terrazzo floors and tiled exterior walls to the eye-catching neon signs and green leather booths and a rotating list of soft serves: basically The inclusion of Chapati on this list seems counterintuitive (technically its not in Northcote Located on Station Street — which is humming with activity during the days but tends to quieten with the dipping of the sun — Chapati is an Indian restaurant looking to transform the thoroughfare into a dining hotspot Owner-operated by Arjun Dewan (a veteran of Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck) and his family Dewan trialed more than 30 different recipes of naan bread before arriving at his current recipe; while the Dhal Bukara is slow cooked for more than 18 hours and this is one well worth making the trip to if you’re contemplating dining on High Street for dinner Signup to the Boss Hunting Friday Newsletter Melbourne's baking scene has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. While stalwarts such as Baker Bleu keep expanding, newbies such as Cheri in South Melbourne have launched to rave reviews And the very best of the them all are gathering for a massive Get along to Bechamel Studio in Northcote on Saturday What they have in common is an appearance in The Baker's Book, a brand new publication that celebrates Melbourne's bakers, featuring more than 30 chefs and 80 recipes. The bake sale will double as its launch, giving you a chance to recreate what you see (and taste) in the comfort of your kitchen. Entry is free but bookings are essential. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) 15 May 2025 17:00322Cavity System Home Offering Spacious Family LivingTender: Closes on Thursday 15 May 2025 at 5:00PM (unless sold prior) high-spec family home offers a perfect balance of space it features an open-plan layout that creates a natural sense of flow between the two living areas Large windows allow plenty of natural light to pour in throughout the day The living spaces connect seamlessly to the outdoors with easy access to decks and entertaining areas—ideal for hosting guests or simply enjoying some quiet time with a view this home provides a warm and welcoming environment that supports modern living with ease • Large master bedroom has its own walk in ensuite with sea views • Internal double garage plus 4 off street parking Situated in a convenient and well-connected part of Northcote this home is within easy reach of the motorway and several local shopping centres See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Get a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started A murderer who lay in wait for his wife to arrive at their home’s garage before killing her with a metal car ramp will spend more than two decades behind bars Joe Lo Bianco appeared at Victoria’s Supreme Court on Thursday and was sentenced to 24 years in prison with a non-parole period of 18 years and six months had just stepped out of her car at their inner-Melbourne home on November 30 when Lo Bianco struck her repeatedly to the head and neck with the ramp placing the murder weapon under her head to stage an accidental death before removing and hiding his bloodied clothes Lo Bianco went next door to chat to his in-laws for close to an hour while he waited for his daughter to be dropped off after a friend’s birthday party she asked after her mother and suggested she could be in the garage Lo Bianco then told his daughter to go inside and see if she was there who came and started performing CPR while Lo Bianco called triple zero Paramedics confirmed Roumeliotis was already dead Justice Amanda Fox told the court that no sentence she imposed could make up for Roumeliotis’ “priceless” life “She is dearly missed by everyone who loved her,” she said Fox said Lo Bianco’s act of leading his daughter to the site of her mother’s body was a “deeply aggravating aspect to [his] offending” She also noted his refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccination had led to tension and arguments about finances in the period before the murder Police at the Northcote garage scene.Credit: Nine News Roumeliotis told a friend she was frustrated and “had reached saturation point” initially told police his wife must have tripped and fallen claiming he had no involvement in her death because he was in the backyard cleaning a rabbit enclosure The 53-year-old later admitted what happened and pleaded guilty to murder in the Supreme Court in September Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter. A murderer who lay in wait for his wife to arrive at their home\\u2019s garage before killing her with a metal car ramp will spend more than two decades behind bars Joe Lo Bianco appeared at Victoria\\u2019s Supreme Court on Thursday and was sentenced to 24 years in prison with a non-parole period of 18 years and six months Lo Bianco went next door to chat to his in-laws for close to an hour while he waited for his daughter to be dropped off after a friend\\u2019s birthday party Justice Amanda Fox told the court that no sentence she imposed could make up for Roumeliotis\\u2019 \\u201Cpriceless\\u201D life \\u201CShe is dearly missed by everyone who loved her,\\u201D she said Fox said Lo Bianco\\u2019s act of leading his daughter to the site of her mother\\u2019s body was a \\u201Cdeeply aggravating aspect to [his] offending\\u201D Roumeliotis told a friend she was frustrated and \\u201Chad reached saturation point\\u201D The Northcote Park Football Netball Club is seeking players to join its senior netball sides for the 2025 winter netball season the Cougars are looking to expand their teams and is seeking players to join the club next year Send your interest or any questions to Grace The Fitzroy Stars Football Netball Club is seeking junior netballers for the 2025 junior winter netball campaign The South Morang Football Netball Club is seeking 11 & Under junior netballers for the upcoming junior winter netball season The Bundoora Football Netball Club is seeking netballers for their 9 & under side ahead of the 2025 winter season © Copyright 2023 Northern Football Netball League Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Melbourne straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Melbourne without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Melbourne Creativity. Collaboration. Connection. That’s what this intimate music venue, bar, and creative space in Northcote vows to be a walnut-hued haven for.  High Note, a new brick-and-mortar venue from local music industry heavyweights Crown Ruler (responsible for events like Sun Cycle festival and collabs with Potato Head Bali and NTS radio) This welcoming spot is located in the beating heart of Northcote and will welcome everything from relaxed after-work drinks to live music.  “We wanted to create a diverse community-focused venue to suit High Street’s many moods,” says Crown Ruler founder Jamie Bennett “This is a special spot for people to meet and connect the type of which doesn’t currently exist here in Melbourne.” The highlight of High Note is its impressive sound system featuring original vintage Altec horns that once graced the Sydney Opera House there will be a drinks list featuring old-school classics and crisp beers from the taps along with Australian wines.  Beyond monthly music programming curated by Crown Ruler High Note’s performance space will become a hub for music education and artistic collaboration From hosting exhibitions to record fairs and artist Q&As the venue is set to be an 'info-den' where fledgling artists can cut their teeth in workshops on music production Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitterinstagrampinterestAbout us Contact us If you've had your eye on one of FAZEEK's stunning pieces now is the perfect time to treat yourself (or someone else) Melbourne's beloved homewares brand is hosting a warehouse moving sale offering up to 75% off its much-wanted glassware so you'll have to jump off Instagram and onto the tram to nab a bargain That might be a conical carafe that perfectly matches your table a set of wine glasses that'll have your next dinner party guests talking or a serene candle that gives your bathroom a new lease on life If you're familiar with FAZEEK's creations you'll know there's the right mix of functionality They're all the work of multi-disciplinary designer Jackie Fazekas who founded the brand in 2017 which means it's time to clear out a space in your diary so only buy what you truly can't live without Where to Find Australia’s Best Inner-City Bakeries By Katya Wachtel By Katya Wachtel By Matheus There’s more to Ruckers Hill than meets the eye. Inside the unassuming north-side nook, you’ll find a French-inspired menu accompanied by a generous list of drops. It’s steered by owner-chef David Murphy (ex-Bistro Thierry) who’s been climbing the hospo ladder since he left school at 15 Murphy flexes his French culinary skills with a tight offering of technique-driven small plates There’s the option for a five-course tasting menu or you can fly solo with à la carte options which shift with the seasons Start by dipping charred bread in a smoky eggplant dip and dukkah or pop a bite-sized manchego and leek croquette which has a tiny dollop of black garlic aioli don’t pass up the twice-baked artichoke and gruyere soufflé Same goes for the cut of Riverina entrecote The drinks menu boasts French and Italian vino plus wines from a handful of local producers House cocktails range from light and spritzy (like the French 86 with gin sparkling wine and citrus) to more heavy hitters like the Tobacco Road (not for the faint-hearted and a gold-gilded mirror hangs above the fireplace Mood lighting makes it an ideal date-night destination Phone: (03) 9826 9612 Website: ruckershillnorthcote.com.au We do not seek or accept payment from the cafes bars and shops listed in the Directory – inclusion is at our discretion Venue profiles are written by independent freelancers paid by Broadsheet The room bellows with a sound once reserved for early Beatles shows at CMAT's first-ever headline show in Australia “It’s not often I get to open for someone I’m currently fucking obsessed with,” she beams before leading the crowd through a slew of killer country tunes from her 2023 release, Small Town Temple. Musings range from rural teenage rebellion in Grow Wild all the way to the malaise of celebrity dating apps in Love In The Time Of Cowardice - but Hooper threads the needle perfectly with an undeniably charming honesty. A perfect entree to the evening’s proceedings. Backed by a quintet with the onstage panache of a full-blown punk band, the Irish singer-songwriter (known offstage as Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) rips straight into her trademark alt-pop country sound with California and I Don’t Really Care For You. “Melbourne’s pussy is popping tonight!” she screams, and the room once again bellows with a sound once reserved only for early Beatles shows.  The CMAT persona is one of multitudes: equal parts Dolly Parton and Brat, she doesn’t waste a single second while on stage. One moment she’s executing a flawless dance routine with with bandmate Colm Conlon, the next she’s collapsed on the floor in a James Brown-esque display of showmanship. It’s a constant array of sights and sounds, and her fans are absolutely here for it. Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter A beautifully powerful delivery of Where Are Your Kids Tonight? rounds out the main set with Conlon taking on the unenviable task of filling in for John Grant, who guests on the album version of the track. However, he more than rises to the challenge and gives the tune a heady gusto to rival the original recording. It’s uncanny how CMAT and Co can somehow make their debut on the other side of the world feel like a return home, but here they are. There is simply no question they’ll return soon. Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here Taking its name as a nod to America's great waterways Goodwater is rapidly becoming Northcote's worst-kept secret Inspired by the mighty Ohio – a river integral to America's whiskey heritage – the connection here runs far deeper than just the moniker From the framed Mississippi River maps by US Army Corps engineer Harold Fisk from 1944 that grace the exposed brick walls to the carefully curated selection of more than 250 American whiskeys flowing as freely as the rivers themselves every detail reflects a profound sense of place and history Perched right in the thick of the action on High Street Goodwater has mastered what so many venues struggle with: being both a serious whiskey bar and genuinely welcoming space which fling open on sunny days to let the good air in good water – this is the spot to perch up and watch Northcote's evening parade while nursing a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned.  While the window seats might be prime real estate the outdoor area offers its own backyard-ish charm there's no bad seat in the house – the warm cosy atmosphere inside pervades every corner The space strikes that perfect balance between classy and comfortable with the impressive wall of whiskey bottles creating an amber-hued backdrop that feels more invitation than intimidation.  It shows in everything from the staff's genuine warmth to their encyclopedic knowledge of the extensive whiskey collection every interaction feels unhurried and personal – they're as happy to guide a novice through their first bourbon as they are to geek out with seasoned whiskey enthusiasts The cocktail menu is a choose-your-own-adventure of sorts Each drink can be ordered three ways: short and boozy tall and refreshing or non-alcoholic – a thoughtful touch that ensures everyone at the table can enjoy the same flavours regardless of their preferences.  The Bad Water – the house take on a Vodka Cruiser Dr Pepper and raspberry – is a fun shout finished with a nitro element that adds a silky smooth texture While it might not convert traditional Espresso Martini devotees (it didn't quite hit for me it's a fun option in an expansive list of alternatives that shows this isn't just a place for whiskey nerds the cocktail menu shines with creations that showcase the bar team's depth The Side Bet pairs Flor de Cana seven-year rum with chestnut While Island Time brings together Evan Williams bourbon coconut and pandan in a tropical twist that doesn't lose sight of its Kentucky roots.  The classics are also given their due respect built on Michter's bourbon with a dark sugar blend and aromatic bitters is a proper tribute to the cornerstone of American cocktails featuring Knob Creek 100-proof straight rye proves they're not afraid to play with tradition And if you're after any classic not listed on the menu Just ask – the team's got you covered seasoned with Old Bay and served with smoked oyster aioli the only thing that stopped us from ordering a second bowl the moment they were gone (they were demolished in about five minutes) was the fact we needed to save room The crispy fish sando is another standout – a nicely crumbed piece of barramundi seasoned with Old Bay topped with remoulade and fresh watercress and make sure you leave room for the smoked pork ribwich; a glorious mess of a sandwich perfectly calibrated for soaking up a few whiskeys It's served on a potato bun with Memphis barbecue sauce and coleslaw One of the bar's most endearing quirks is their 'Postcard Pours' concept – if you discover a whiskey you love they'll bottle up 50ml and mail it to an out-of-town friend It's exactly the kind of thoughtful touch that sets Goodwater apart Goodwater feels like it's been part of Northcote forever It's a bar that respects its spirits but isn't precious about them that takes its food seriously but keeps it fun that remembers hospitality is about making people feel welcome so is the kitchen" – says everything about their approach to service Goodwater has carved out its own path in Melbourne's busy bar scene It's a place that celebrates American whiskey culture with style and they are all the better for itStart your day right at these newcomers serving brunch that flips the cafe script Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime ShareAs featured in the August hit list. See all stories.Cafes that colour outside the lines aren’t in short supply in Melbourne with many of the city’s most popular daytime-dining options stretching well beyond smashed avo These three welcome new additions – from the CBD to Northcote – are no exception weaving in flavours from their owners’ backgrounds to pull away from the pack Bogota-born couple Santiago Villamizar and Carolina Talero have long been injecting their Colombian heritage into Melbourne’s cafe scene: they opened Fitzroy’s South American-style Sonido in 2010 and followed it up with Preston’s Arepa Days in 2018 they’ve been roasting their own Colombian coffee for both venues under the label Todo Good (“todo means all And recently they opened a cafe of the same name – their third – in a cute corner spot in Northcote Todo Good Cafe occupies a former antique shop in Westgarth.Luis Enrique AscuiDoing the fit-out themselves Villamizar and Talero started building a community of locals even before opening The palm-sized cornbread pockets from Arepa Days come with fillings such as fried eggs Istra bacon and barbecue sauce; and ropa vieja (pulled beef) There are also rice bowls with similar toppings as well as Colombian classics like empanadas which Villamizar describes as “a traditional mountain soup of potatoes and corn” The bacon and egg arepa at Todo Good Cafe.Luis Enrique AscuiAdvertisementTodo Good roasts about 120 kilos of coffee beans a week and serves only three single-origins at a time or fill your own bag at the self-serve station 1A Timmins Street, Northcote, todogood.com.au Carlton North’s tree-lined Rathdowne Village has a new address for Middle Eastern dining: the family-run While owner Fadi Hamka has previously run Italian restaurants across Melbourne “I thought it was about time I show off my [Lebanese] heritage,” he tells Good Food “And show people that you can eat this beautiful Middle Eastern food at any time of day.” Traditional home-style Lebanese dishes – such as cumin-spiced fava bean and chickpea stew – stand out on the all-day breakfast menu They’re joined by more typical cafe dishes souped up with Middle Eastern flourishes There’s grilled sujuk (spicy sausage) in the brekkie roll and halva and rosewater syrup atop the pancake stack serving both Lebanese small plates and big mixed-grill platters Open Tue-Wed 7am-3pm; Thu-Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-3pm 645 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North, instagram.com/cafejabelle Kantaro Okada opened Japanese convenience store Hareruya Pantry in Carlton two years ago “But being in a laneway in the Melbourne CBD has always been a dream of mine,” he says he has realised that dream with the opening of a second Hareruya Pantry in Somerset Place (off Little Bourke Street near bustling Elizabeth Street) where he’s bringing his cut-above grab-and-go offering to the office crowd Kantaro Okada, who also founded sake bar Leonie Upstairs, sandwich specialist Le Bajo Milkbar and onigiri cafe 279 is bringing all of the Carlton favourites to the city That includes seasonal bento boxes packed with a kaleidoscopic selection of osouzai (Japanese side dishes) fluffy steamed buns filled with pork and glass noodles including a collab with Comme des Garcons that resulted in a black-sesame hokey pokey flavour 27 Somerset Place, Melbourne, hareruya.com.au Dainty Sichuan returns with a luxe new look, name and rejigged menu. But is the spice still right?With more than 100 items on the rejigged menu, it’s easy to get confused – or greedy – at the renovated and rebranded Sichuan stalwart. Seven great bakeries have opened and (gasp!) they’re not in the inner northThere’s a playful bakehouse on a shopping centre rooftop, a patisserie blending French techniques and Middle Eastern flavours, and a Scandi spot that’s all about buns. Batch brew on tap, fluffy eggs: This may be the city coffee and brunch spot we’ve been waiting forThe coffee-roasting favourite opens its seventh location on Melbourne’s premier dining strip. And yes, it’s open on weekends, too. news and the hottest openings served to your inbox hyperlocal news service covering the Northern Beaches in Sydney with a hyperfocus from Manly to Dee Why We have a fair and non-sensationalist approach to reporting It is run by locals for locals and we depend on your news tips and support to keep going We are a member of the Local Independent News Association News tips: editor@manlyobserver.com.au or text 0435741777 Advertising queries: advertising@manlyobserver.com.au General queries: editor@manlyobserver.com.au  © Manly Observer | All Rights Reserved In an unassuming shopfront on High St in Northcote, Melbourne, sits one of Australia's most low-key Indian restaurants. Owned and run by Michael Vass, who took over the family business in 2013 after opening its doors back in 1995, Curry Cafe is the type of place to lounge back over three or four dishes with a group of mates while swilling tap beer in a vain attempt to ward off the spice Curry Cafe is unique in that the team roasts their own spices here rather than buying them in bulk from wholesalers They then grind them using a grinder imported from India and add them to their curries which is fortunate — for a place named Curry House it's probably best your curries are world class The range of curries feature crowd-pleasers such as butter chicken there's the lamb pasanda (slow-cooked lamb in a creamy sauce of cloves cooked overnight in a creamy cardamom and fennel-infused sauce eggplant curry and pumpkin masala with mustard seeds And if it doesn't have what you're looking for It's likely they'll be able to make what you'd like You won't find this in many other restaurants in Melbourne Wash it down with the house red or white or a local pet-nat But for those who are in for the long haul a pint of lager or three is perfect with their mild This is probably not the page you’re looking for has always been passionate about pre-loved fashion She’s worked in the vintage industry across Tokyo refining her style and being influenced by the city’s bold Douglas carefully curates imported Japanese vintage and new clothing The stock is 90 per cent vintage from the 1980s and 1990s mostly sourced during regular visits to vintage wholesalers in Japan or embroidery.) Expect a good number of jumpsuits too – Hitomi’s soft spot – plus a selection of archival pieces from designers like YSL There’s always a handful of new items from Japanese makers chosen for their quality detailing and fabrics like silk Asobii translates to “playful” in Japanese welcoming shoppers across all ages and genders The light-filled nook is delicately decorated with rustic furnishing and sparse greenery allowing the vibrant clothing to do the talking Website: instagram.com Four To Try: The New Melbourne Jewellery Stores That Are a Cut Above “Camp and Playful”: Support Independent Artists and Designers at Brunswick’s Shop Dussy What’s New: The Melbourne Store Openings To Get Around This Year Street Style: Opening Night Runway at Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025 Local member Kath Theophanous attended the opening event this week alongside students and principal Christopher Jones The latest stage of upgrade and modernisation works at Northcote High School in Melbourne’s north has been completed with the addition of a new Science The school contributed over $400,000 to the works adding to $8.7 million in state funding received during 2022-23 to deliver the three-storey building It follows another $8 million in the previous 2021-22 state budget released for the multi-purpose learning facilities building The building includes specialist laboratories and an expansive ground floor John Cain Library named after former student and Victorian Premier John Cain Jnr “Our vision has always been to create spaces that inspire learning and connection and this facility brings that vision to life,” Christopher Jones Principal of Northcote High School said in a statement Kat Theophanous on Thursday at the school for the cutting-ribbon ceremony performed in a symbolic move by two students “This STEM Building sets a new standard for education spaces in the inner north,” said Theophanous who according to the media statement on the project advocated strongly alongside the school council to secure the total $16.7 million in funding from the Victorian Government “Every student deserves a great education at a great local school I’m proud to have worked alongside Northcote High School to deliver this exciting project which will make such a difference to generations of Northcote students,” she added Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects and built by Building Engineering is the latest of a series of upgrades at the school in recent years including competition-grade netball courts and an award-winning Performing Arts Centre one of Northcote High School’s 2,000 students stated excited about the revitalised John Cain library seating arrangements and versatility as a classroom students and teachers have been drawn to admire work and make the most of this new area,” the student said in a statement.