CHAPEL STREET, WHAT'S HOT?
Well as us 'Melbourners' would know Chapel Street is a city in its self. Whether you're on the hunt for the latest trend or for some of the best coffees in Australia, I have made your search a lot easier. After a whole adventurous long year of exploring the neighbourhood I have managed to locate some of the best destinations.
For those who love to shop, whether or not on a budget there’s always something for you. Don’t miss the chance to rummage around Chapel Streets large amount of Op Shops. Rummage around for bargains in the massive Salvation store located in Windsor or the Chapel Street Bazaar for vintage goodies in Prahran.
Shop the current trend further up the road. I always start my shopping day up at Toorak Road. Walking past those beautiful brands and unique boutiques gives me inspiration. Say you were after a beautiful high-end brand piece for a special occasion but you really didn’t want to spend hundreds on one dress? Take a look into Stop Staring and wander through their wide selection of pre owned items on fantastic quality brands. Turn the corner and you’re in designer heaven. KOOKAI, White Suede, Tony Bianco, Glassons, MIMCO, Marcs, Alice McCALL are only a small handful to go crazy in. Gentleman, of course you’re not forgotten about. Unleash you’re inner shopaholic in stores such as Arthur Galan, POLITIX, General Pants, Top shop, Platypus, Oxford or Calibre.
But wait! First you must start the day with a hot, beautiful, frothy coffee. Being one of the busiest cafes on Chapel Street, Journeyman is one you will not walk past. Further up is a brand new booming bar and kitchen, Abacus. With the trendy layouts of greenery and stone this atmosphere will have lines going out the door. Neighbouring, are plenty of other cafes and restaurants. I won’t say them all now, as it would have to become a separate article based on food and coffee haha.
Food. Well this one will be hard to choose. I will be good and pick my top three places to dine in or take away. When I’m feeling healthy or needing a health kick I walk straight to Green Cup. From their unique superfood shakes and smoothies or their famous acai bowls, you will be walking away with an extra trot in your steps. Feeling a bit fancy? Dress up and venture to Morris Jones Restaurant and cocktail bar. Perfect for that local date night or a small function of friends. You know when the chief personally delivers the desert covered in a smoky cloud of dry ice, you know you must book in your dairy to come back. Lucky last, I’ll pick a place something a little less healthy and more affordable. Climb up to their rooftop and get your hands around a pizza or burger or dig into Lucky Coq’s iron pies. Did I mention they do $4 food specials?! Yes that means $4 pizzas.
Make sure you always have your dancing shoes on, as Chapel Street never rests. Start sipping on rum and indulge in the warmth around their fireplace at Katuk bar then make your way down towards Windsor. Temperance Hotel is known for their large venue and drink specials. That place is never quiet. If you’re out to ‘slay’ the dance floor I’d suggest entering Bar up and Blue bar or Porn & Co. Feeling a little more glamorous, venture off Chapel St slightly to the club, bar and rooftop to The Emerson. Trust me it’s never a bad night there. Be prepared to be covered in confetti or bubbles.
So there’s my top picks I have had the pleasure to show non-locals. Don’t let this stop you from entering inside anything that takes you fancy. Chapel Street is definitely a place to visit for all or most occasions.
xoxo,
Gabrielle