This northern star delights with its vintage-chic décor, prime footpath tables, and service that is at once switched on and supremely relaxed. The team has good reason to be laid back, so assured is the food and drinks offering. A leather-bound menu delivers seasonal, balanced cocktails, such as the strong yet smooth Quiet on the Orchard of applejack, fig bitters and chestnut liqueur, served over a hand-hewn cube of ice. The 40-strong wine list skips happily from the Adelaide Hills to Argentina, and the craft beers run from hyper-local (Thornbury’s 3 Ravens) to heavy-hitting imports (Belgian barrel-aged sours).
You’d be hard pressed to find a better cheese platter in town. Here, your wedge of Vacherin plays nice with fresh peach slices and date puree, all ready to spread over hot sourdough toast. It’s well worth stepping out of the Hoddle grid for this neighbourhood gem.