A guide to Northcote and its neighbours

Hipsterville Northcote, and its neighbours, Thornbury and Preston, lie just seven kilometres north of the city. Easily accessibly by train, tram or bike paths – bars, cafes and boutique retail outlets are popping up all along High St and beyond, fuelling the neighbourhood with the kind of cool, laidback vibe that was once the reserve of nearby Fitzroy and Collingwood.

Culture and live musicHome to a vibrant community of creatives and culture vultures, Northcote exudes an arty atmosphere best explored at the following venues:

Northcote Social ClubOne of Melbourne’s most popular live music venues, Northcote Social Club attracts an array of independent music talent. Part owned by the team behind The Corner Hotel in Richmond, the band room is smaller than its half-brother’s, making for a more intimate affair. Its Monday Night Mass enables Melbourne’s emerging artists to take to the stage, and indy music fans to enjoy the tunes for free. 301 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9489 3917

Wesley Anne In its former life, the Wesley Anne was a church – which is somewhat fitting, given the way that devoted regulars congregate at this northern institution. Built in 1854, the building retains much of its original design. A sprawling beer garden, vibrant performance scene and elegant dining room make for good, secular fun. 250 High Street, Northcote Hill, +61 3 9482 1333

Westgarth CinemaThe grand architecture of this Palace Cinema evokes a mood reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood. A recent refurbishment has restored the original spirit of the building, combining state-of-the-art technology with 1920s classical features and Art deco styling. 89 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9482 2001

Coffee and brunchCoffee and brunch are big on the agenda for many in Melbourne’s north. Here are some of the top spots for a morning rendezvous:

Barry Barry’s bright, white and light-filled interior and menu of healthy but delicious meals appeals to a wide range of diners, including those on their way to the popular organic food store next door, Terra Madre. Barry’s is run by the same family as Richmond’s Pillar of Salt and serves coffee by Melbourne coffee kings, 5 Senses. 85 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9481 7623

Brother Alec A local favourite, Brother Alec is cool yet welcoming and entices brunchers of all ages. The homespun décor features exposed timber crates and native Australian succulents and splashes of fire-engine red. Owners Jessica Moussi and Malia Sloman pride themselves on offering stellar service, meaning the welcome is always warm. Some pantry-essentials are also available for purchase, as free-range eggs, Jonesy’s milk, Dench organic sourdough and Espresso Syndicate beans and ground coffee. 719 High Street, Thornbury, +61 3 9416 9428

Little HenriNamed after Sir Stafford Henry Northcote, Little Henri pays homage to Northcote and celebrates the area’s rich local history. Bright and airy with simple yet stylish decor, and a welcoming atmosphere, this is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, the options here are many and varied. 850 High Street, Thornbury, +61 3 9484 8857

Two by Two  Located in the heart of High Street Northcote Two by Two is an all day eatery set in contemporary surrounds. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the focus is always on providing a modern seasonal menu. The drinks list is small and concise to highlight interesting selections from around Australia and the world. 235 High StNorthcote, +61 3 9486 5885

Dining outMelbourne’s Northside has established a reputation as a go-to destination for dining. Here are some never-fails:

Estelle Currently undergoing a major revamp, Estelle is now split into two, with bistro style dining at the restaurant’s original site and soon-to-open fine-dining establishment, Estelle by Scott Pickett (ESP), next door. At the bistro, guests can choose from an a la carte menu, a three or five course tasting menu or a selection of house-made snacks. ESP will serve an eight-course chef selection menu when it opens later in the year. 243 High Street, Northcote, Victoria 3070, +61 3 9489 4609

Pizza Meine Liebe German for ‘pizza my love’, Pizza Meine Liebe’s is one of the most popular dining places in the area. Thin, crispy bases are topped with seasonal ingredients, artisan cheeses (teleggio, pecorino, regiiano) and a rich, delicately herbed Italiano sauce. 231 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9482 7001

The Dojo Ramen BarTrue to its name, The Dojo Ramen Bar serves up traditional Japanese broth developed directly with Tokyo Ramen Masters in Tokyo, using the freshest, secret ingredients imported direct from Japan. The setting is comfortable and welcoming, inspired by Tokyo’s many Ramen Bars but relevant to the Melbourne dining experience. 333 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9482 1247

Drink

Francesca’s bar A new addition to Northcote’s bar scene, Francesca’s Bar serves cocktails, craft beers and an extensive list of wines. Staffed by its young owners, the service and product knowledge is excellent. Expect some old school vinyl spinning at the DJ booth, a ping pong table attracting some friendly competition and prepare to relax in the booth-style seating or in the garden courtyard out the back. 222 High St Northcote, +61 3 9481 1222

Joe’s Shoe Store At the site of what was once a thriving ‘Australian and Continental’ shoe store, Joe’s Shoe Store has firmly established its place as one of Northcote’s most popular watering holes. The dark, cosy interior is inviting on a cold evening while the brick courtyard and small bocce court out the back is an ideal place to wile away a summer’s night. Although it doesn’t serve food, they encourage deliveries from Pizza Meine Liebe next door. 233 High St, Northcote, +61 3 9482 7666

Welcome to ThornburyA former used-car yard is set to transform into a welcoming oasis when Welcome to Thornbury opens. The new food truck park and bar will have space for at least four food trucks and an indoor bar. A rotating roster of food trucks will ensure that there’s always a variety of cuisines on offer, from Mexican tacos to burgers with the lot. 520 High Street, Thornbury.

ShopIn an area that was once dedicated to Melbourne’s manufacturing industry, Northcote and surrounds have become an incubator for some of Melbourne’s most innovative independent designers and makers. High St, Northcote is home to an impressive array of vintage and retro fashion and furniture retailers alongside contemporary fashion and design boutiques. Highlight retailers include:

A Quirk of Fate The creation of entrepreneur and designer Kylie Weir, A Quirk of Fate stocks a carefully curated selection of locally designed and made goods including homewares, body products, apparel and accessories for men and women. 289 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9486 7929

Lupa Within Lupa’s bright pink walls lies an extensive collection of women’s clothes, jewellery and accessories that are designed and made in Melbourne. Emerging labels are embraced here, with a range of product by the likes of Ammo, Fool, Ella, Temp Perdu, San Van Oosterom and Tessa Blazey – all of whom manufacture within a 50 kilometre radius of the store. 55 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9481 1614

ObusAn independent womenswear label made in Melbourne and founded by Kylie Zerbst, Obus focuses on creating quality garments that stand the test of time, with a strong emphasis on prints. Each season showcases a new splash of colour and shape combined with high quality fabrics sourced from around the globe. 285 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9482 5002

Leonard St.Founded by Amanda McCarthy and named after a street in London, Leonard St. collections are inspired predominantly by silhouette and colour. Ethical manufacturing is central to Leonard St.’s ethos and 10% of the collection is made in Australia. 205 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9489 5109

Mim Found EnaOwners, Mim Patience and Serena Bridges’ are committed to hand-made goods and create product on-site for their labels, MiM and Ena Designs respectively. Jewellery, ceramics, cards and clothing are all stocked here, representing 15 designers in addition to their own designs – many of whom are local. There is a clear focus on environmentally conscious values and sustainability in fashion. 239 High Street, Northcote, +61 3 9489 4564

With more time Those with more time can head to Thornbury’s The Moor’s Head, for ‘Melbourne’s best Middle-Eastern Pizza’ or Umberto Espresso Bar, a tiny espresso bar that serves Italian food. Pearl Oyster and Boundary Espresso are both great spots for coffee in Preston, and neighbouring Chumanchu (Miss Chu’s brother joint) is ideal for a Vietnamese style feast. A hybrid Japanese eatery and art gallery with regular art and music functions, Disco Beans is unlike any other restaurant or art gallery and offers Japanese cooking classes.