Melbourne mini-guide
Ok yes, we confess to having a big love affair with the city of Melbourne and would find any excuse to visit…
Home to the best cafe culture (and best coffee?!), incredible galleries, design and vintage shopping and a plethora of cosy wine bars, this city comes into it’s own in Winter. Some of the Arent&Pyke team were there last week visiting Den Fair (read about our picks of the fair) and we were reminded of all the incredible places to stay, dine, shop and visit… Here are a just a few of our faves…
Stay | Coppersmith Hotel, South Melbourne
The intimate, 15 room, Coppersmith Hotel in South Melbourne is our pick for places to stay when visiting the city. The boutique hotel is architecturally designed, beautifully furnished and with only 15 rooms it is quiet and relaxing. You can book a room at Coppersmith via Mr &Mrs Smith Hotels, we highly recommend it for your next visit to Melbourne.
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Cafe | Higher Ground, Little Bourke St
Higher Ground is simply stunning. Designed by Melbourne based firm, Design Office – it’s a cafe that you could sit in for hours. The food is beautifully presented and super tasty. If you’re there for breakfast, treat yourself to the delightful Quinoa and seed bircher with roasted blood plum or Ricotta Hotcakes with maple and flowers.
Cafe | Self Preservation, Bourke St
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day so we couldn’t go past Self Preservation Cafe on Bourke St for a healthy, vegetarian meal. The cafe is homely and full of delicious, wholesome food which is what we needed before heading to Denfair – this is one to keep an eye our for when in the CBD.
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Dine | Caffè e Cucina, Chapel St
When thinking of Melbourne’s many delights, one can’t go past the renowned Caffe e Cucina and their famous Linguine di Mare, cooked in parchment paper (since 1988). Caffe e Cucina is most certainly the epitome of traditional Italian food (and oh so comforting). It is the perfect place for a warming dinner, especially in these colder Winter months.
Dine | Marion Wine Bar, Gertrude St
Marion Wine Bar is on of six venues (including the gorgeous Cutler & Co. and Cumulus Inc) owned by restauranteur Andrew McConnell. It is the perfect place to cosy up after a long day shopping or visiting the sites Melbourne has to offer. We recommend sharing a selection of plates such as haloumi and oysters over a glass of wine before deciding on which delicious main meal you’ll have.
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Shop Mid-Century | Angelucci – Fitzroy
One of our absolute favourite Mid-Century stores is Angelucci 20th Century. The store has an gorgeous collection of local and international furnishings, lighting and designer pieces predominantly from the 1950′s and 1960′s which are all restored in their Melbourne workshop. Amazing!
Shop Mid-Century | Modern Times – Fitzroy
Known for its amazing shopping, it’s hard to narrow down the list of our favourite shops in Melbourne, however Modern Times in Fitzroy ticks both Mid-Century and art boxes. The store has a gorgeous collection of Mid-Century furniture, unique homewares and gifts and gallery space for art exhibitions. Melbourne artist, Caroline Walls is currently exhibiting her series ‘Another Thought‘ at Modern Times, definitely one to visit!
Shop Mid-Century | Castorina & Co, Collingwood
Another Mid-Century goodie is Castorina & Co in Collingwood who specialise in vintage Italian and European design from the post-war ear. They sell pieces from designers such as Ettorre Sottsass, Marco Zanuso, Afra & Tobias Scarpa and Cassina – dream!
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Shop Fashion | The Standard Store, Fitzroy
Yes, yes the Standard Store did originate in our home of Surry Hills but we can’t go past a little local support even when in Melbourne. The Standard Store has a third location in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy and it is just as divine as the Sydney store. It is the best place to stop for a perfectly curated collection of fashion and accessories such as our favourite Lucy Folk, Rachel Comey and Maison Balzac.
The store Standard Store Melbourne even has its very own Air BnB apartment above, filled with all their favourite products . . .
Shop Fashion | Búl Store, Fitzroy
Australian Label, Búl’s flagship store in Fitzroy is another one to visit for a stunning collection of clothing, shoes and accessories. The latest collection draws inspiration from the city of Hamburg with its elegantly subdued architecture and moody colours of the sea. Perfect to stock up on those Winter essentials.
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Culture | Heide Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen
A short trip out of Melbourne City is the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen. Always full of amazing exhibitions from art and sculpture, it’s certainly worth a visit and is currently exhibiting Charles Blackman’s ‘School Girls’ collection until the 18th June.
Until next time Melbourne!
Credits: Mr &Mrs Smith Hotels, Higher Ground, Self Preservation Cafe, Caffee Cucina, Marion Wine Bar, Angelucci, Modern Times, Castorina & Co, The Standard Store, Búl Store, Heide Museum of Modern Art.
