Melburnians (and indeed, most people with a pulse) love their puppies and pets and, after a spike in animal adoptions and purchases due to ‘the virus that shall not be named’, now more than ever we’re all very attached to our four-legged friends. Luckily for dog owners, there are many businesses and spaces south of the city with specially-designed experiences and menus for you and your canine companion. So, whether you’re looking for a paw friendly parma, a little extra pamper for your pup or a special treat for your tail-wagger, there are places all around our neighbourhoods for when you want to have a date with your doggo. THE TIPSY COW The Tipsy Cow is a den for grown-ups, where furry best friends are embraced and treated like royalty. This comfy, warm welcoming space provides a place for everyone to gather, leaving behind the stresses of ‘real’ life with wholesome food and delicious drinks (Did we mention there’s a daily happy hour from 4 pm – 7 pm?!) WHERE: 359 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 thetipsycow.com.au/ DIGGIDDY DOGGY DAYCARE & DOG SPA Is your prince or princess pleased by a pamper? The team at diggiddydoggydaycare indoor doggy daycare centre have also created the diggiddydoggydayspa! The spa is a crate free environment where your best mate will be groomed to relaxation, with massage to calm a nervous client so the grooming experience is as relaxing as possible. The clock is not a consideration in the diggiddydayspa, it’s all about the dogs and how they are responding to their grooming experience. Open every weekday from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm. WHERE: 41 Brady St, South Melbourne VIC 3205 digdog.com.au/dayspa/ THE PET GROCER The Pet Grocer has everything you need to keep your pup healthy and happy, naturally. With specially formulated healthy, sustainable and ethical treats, holistic advice on your animal’s needs and an apothecary full of natural treatments, this is your one stop shop for the very best in nutritious and mindful pet care. WHERE: 249 Coventry Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 thepetgrocer.com/ QUEST APARTMENTS Sometimes, home is just a bit too far away. But if you’re visiting St Kilda, that’s not a problem. Quest's Paw-fect Travellers is making it easy for you to have a break without leaving your pal at home. Take your four-legged friend on a weekend escapade or big business trip with pet friendly accommodation within an easy stroll of St Kilda, Middle Park and Albert Park. WHERE: 478 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 questapartments.com.au DOGS BAR ST KILDA A St Kilda institution since 1989, Dogs Bar is a friendly bar favourited by locals and their dogs. With quality food, a wide selection of drinks, live music and a special doggy menu, this is where all the best treats and good vibes reside. WHERE: 54 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182 dogsbar.com.au/ WILLOW’S PANTRY What happens, when rescue dog Willow Potato adopts a German pastry cook? They celebrate their passion for food and bake delicious, healthy and good looking dog treats! This gorgeous little store has some truly spectacular delights for your doggo- The perfect spot to spoil your pup. WHERE: 29 Scott Street, Elwood VIC 3184 willowspantry.com.au/ DUNDAS & FAUSSETT Located on the corners of Dundas Place and Faussett Street, Dundas & Faussett (or D&F as the locals say) has a large outdoor dining seating area, perfect for socialising and meeting new dogs (and people if so inclined). Enjoy mouth-watering dishes and an extensive beverage list surrounded by the unique atmosphere created exceptional food, good conversation, energetic music, and savoury scents. WHERE: 111 Dundas Place, Albert Park VIC 3206 darlinggroup.com.au/venues/dundas/
Everywhere you look, plant-based alternatives to meat and other animal products are popping up in grocery stores, restaurants and even fashion. St Kilda, always ahead of the curve, has long been embracing the growing popularity for vegan foods, catering to the shifting needs of meat-wary clientele without compromising quality, variety and, above all, taste! Whether you’re embracing meat-free Mondays, going plant-based every day, or just curious to find out what all the noise is about, St Kilda’s got you covered. Here are just some of our picks for those who are looking for a meat-free feast. GOOD LOVE This gorgeous little café & bar has finally reopened after nine long weeks, with a fab new menu and the same passion for the good vegan food you love! From delicious bar snack favourites to larger plant-rific plates, fabulous cocktails and a fun-filled drinks menu, this is the perfect spot to indulge yourself (somewhat) guilt free. WHERE: 56 Acland Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182 OPEN: Tuesday -Sunday, 8 am – 11 pm (From 25 March) www.goodlovevegan.com • Dine – in • Take away • Delivery MATCHA MYLKBAR Did someone say “Pancakes”? Matcha Mylkbar are a St Kilda based pancake parlour with sweet and savoury pancake stacks that will leave you feeling satisfied and a little smug (did we mention they’re totally plant-based?) Think matcha pancakes covered in salted caramel sauce, peanut butter, crushed oreos and Messina chocolate ice cream. Or, if you’re more inclined towards salty flavours, there’s the Mac N Cheese pancake stake, with fried popcorn chick and smoked Canadian maple. WHERE: 72a Acland Street, St Kilda, Victoria, 3182 OPEN: 8 am – 3:30 pm www.matchamylkbar.com/ SISTER OF SOUL Sister of Soul recognise that there’s a variety of reasons why people choose to become vegan or vegetarian and they serve just as much variety, if not more, in their nourishing plant-based food. They are also active members of our local communities, diverting tonnes of food waste and coffee grinds to the St Kilda Veg Out Community Gardens, helping to enrich the soil to help locals grow their own fresh produce. Serving delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an extensive range of cocktails, beer, wine, smoothies and other non-alcoholic drinks, you can always be a part of this food movement! WHERE: 73 Acland Street, St Kilda, Victoria, 3182 OPEN: Daily 7:30 am till late. www.sisterofsoul.com.au/ MONK BODHI DHARMA A bit further up Carlisle street, hidden behind the supermarkets in Balaclava you'll find Monk Bodhi Dharma, a cosy micro coffee roastery in the heart of Balaclava. On the menu you find a wonderul selection of sustainable and healing food, from banana pancaske served with dulce de leche ice cream, zucchini hotcakes and Unami mushrooms served on house made pumpkin polenta bread. WHERE: Rear 202 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, Victoria 3183 OPEN: Monday - Friday 7 am - 5 pm / Saturday - Sunday 8 am - 5 pm (Note that the kitchen closes at 3 pm) http://www.monkbodhidharma.com/ MR VEGGIE Are you a lover of rich, aromatic Malaysian? Mr Veggie has all your Malaysian favourites- meat free! From vegan chicken wings and roast duck, to veggie calamari and spicy seafood laksa, there’s something for anyone who wants a veggie-meat fix without the animal. WHERE: 92c Acland Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182 OPEN: 11 am – 10 pm daily • Dine – in • Take away • Delivery
The inner south bayside suburbs have always been home to artists, bohemians and colourful characters that make St Kilda, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and the surrounding neighbourhoods such eclectic and expressive areas of our beautiful City. In recent times, these neighbourhoods have grown and developed to become home to some of Melbourne’s best artists and performers, with arts spaces and venues dedicated to the cultivation of new art and opportunities as well as hosting some of the biggest names in comedy, music, dance and classical arts. Here are just some of the local theatres and companies for when you need a little inspiration in your life. THEATRE WORKS Theatre Works is the epicentre of independent theatre, providing a hotbed for artists of all experience, identity, background and aspiration to create and explore all forms of theatre. WHERE: 14 Acland Street, St Kilda, Victoria View the upcoming program here: Home | Theatre Works RED STITCH ACTORS’ THEATRE Red Stitch is Australia’s leading actors' ensemble, performing contemporary Australian plays and award-winning new works from around the world. WHERE: Rear 2 Chapel Street (behind All Saints Church) St Kilda East, Vic 3183, Australia Red Stitch Actors' Theatre GASWORKS ARTS PARK Gasworks Arts Park is a vibrant arts precinct producing a range of high-quality arts programs, workshops and activities for all ages. Situated in Albert Park, Melbourne, on the site of the former South Melbourne Gas Plant, Gasworks is just three kilometres from the CBD and the precinct houses four hectares of park, two theatres, three gallery spaces, a café, as well as function and workshop spaces. WHERE: 21 Graham Street, Albert Park VIC 3206 https://www.gasworks.org.au/ THE NATIONAL THEATRE MELBOURNE The National Theatre has been a vital part of Melbourne's creative landscape since 1920, playing host to hundreds of performances and community events every year. The beautiful and historic building is home to the National Theatre Drama and Ballet schools, training the next generations of Melbourne artists. WHERE: 20 Carlisle St (Cnr Barkly St) St Kilda VIC 3182 https://nationaltheatre.org.au/ TEMPERANCE HALL Temperance Hall is a stunning and vital arts hub, supporting experimental and risk-taking contemporary culture. You'll find a range of works from independent artists and small companies who push their practices and make bold new works, including Phillip Adams BalletLab. WHERE: 199 Napier St, South Melbourne VIC 3205 https://www.temperancehall.com.au/ PALAIS THEATRE The Palais is as iconic to St Kilda as the pier and Luna Park. This gorgeous theatre has been presenting the best in live entertainment since 1927. From musicals to bands, films to the very best of live performance, this venue and its audiences have seen it all. WHERE: Cnr Lower Esplanade and Cavell Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 https://palaistheatre.com.au/
The beachside neighbourhood is the perfect playground for every Flâneur who ventures to the Bay. The term ‘Flâneur’ is a French word to describe a ‘stroller’ or, more vaguely, someone who wanders through their urban surrounds, at a leisurely pace, observing everything and taking inspiration from the sights and sounds around them. With chic boutiques, gorgeous tree lined laneways and cafes and bakeries full of cream and buttery pastries, the neighbourhoods in and around St Kilda are some of the most colourful and rich to explore while transporting us to our favourite international destinations. To satisfy ‘le Flâneur’ in us all, we have collated some of the most fabulous French-inspired places, so you can get your fix of France, without leaving the Riviera of Port Phillip. BERGERAC RESTAURANT Bergerac was established in 1985 as one of the early restaurants offering French cuisine within Melbourne’s CBD during the 80’s boom of French dining. Initially located in Kings Street Melbourne and then later at Lonsdale Street from 2017, they have now relocated to the renowned Tolarno Hotel in St Kilda, where they’ve been welcomed with open arms by locals and visitors alike. WHERE: 42 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda OPEN: Wednesday – Sunday 5 pm – 10 pm Visit the website CHEZ MISTY What is more French than indulging your very best four-legged friend? Chez Misty is the newest (and possibly only) Dog Crêperie & Café to open in St Kilda. With a specially crafted doggy menu, there is also a scrumptious selection of savoury and sweet crepes to satisfy every human companion. WHERE: 103 Grey Street, St Kilda OPEN: 10:30 am – 3 pm Daily Visit the website BISTRO VOLIèRE Bistro Volière brings a little piece of Paris to the historic George Hotel, right in the heart of St Kilda. With seasonal menus inspired by classic Parisian bistro cuisine, an extensive cocktail and spirits offering, plus a wine list to make any savvy sommelier exclaim “C’est magnifique!” there is something for even the most elegant of palates. WHERE: The George, 129 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda OPEN: Wednesday 4 pm – 10 pm Thursday – Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm Visit the website MILK THE COW If there’s one thing that most Australians have imported and embraced as their own, it’s the French love of cheese. Milk the Cow has become a local favourite with its selection of incredible artisan cheeses, perfectly paired with boutique wines, that can be enjoyed in its chic, cosy restaurant surrounds or grab a takeaway to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. WHERE: 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda OPEN: Tuesday – Thursday 3pm till late Friday – Sunday 12pm till late View the website
A new local bar is breathing new life into the historic old Trinity Hall on the corner of Brighton Road and Chapel Street in St Kilda, set to open in mid-March. Originally Holy Trinity Church Hall, established in 1925, the building has long been a gathering place for the local community. Now, owner Matthew Nikakis is carrying on its legacy with a beer garden, event space and food truck rotation. As a third-generation hospitality veteran with two hotels under his belt, Trinity is Nikakis’ first purely food and drink-focused venture. “My grandfather George came from Greece in 1920 and owned a café in the city,” he says. “My father Nick dedicated his life to hospitality, later becoming president of the Australian Hotels Association for many years. Now as a third-generation publican, I take pride in my family name and the years we have spent in the hospitality industry.” In addition to twelve tap beers, the bar menu will herald a selection of Australian wines and signature cocktails, plus an expansive range of non-alcoholic options. Trinity’s entrance is marked by its red brick exterior, iconic arched doors and the shining silver airstream that sits in front of them. Nikakis has renovated the caravan to work as a functioning food truck, offering a considered range of burgers and bar bites. The rest of the spacious front courtyard is reserved for two additional food trucks which will alternate nightly. The interior has undergone a full renovation including the addition of lush green booths, copper beer tanks, and a deep blue bar that spans the length of the main room. Meanwhile, the church hall’s original hardwood trusses and iconic windows have been restored to peak condition. What was once a community performance space is now a private mezzanine with its own separate bar. Perfect for special events, the window-lined room offers uninterrupted views of Trinity’s main entrance as well as the bluestone façade of Holy Trinity Church, which sits just behind the venue on the same block. Also at the rear is a smaller courtyard and designated kid’s play area, featuring a 1960s wooden ski boat nestled in the sand pit. “A throwback to the old-school monk beer brews, church dances and school fetes, the design draws upon the history and community of Holy Trinity Hall and reinvents this venue for the next generation of St Kilda, Elwood and Elsternwick communities,” says Luke Ponti of BSPN, the architects and interior designers behind the redevelopment, who recently completed Melbourne CBD’s recent Covid Safe Outdoor Dining Activation. Pet and child-friendly with a capacity of 300, Trinity is poised to become a landmark amongst Melbourne’s hospitality scene. “It’s a venue that will make all demographics comfortable and welcome,” says Nikakis.