HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL IN MELBOURNE'S SOUTH
There are plenty of reasons to cross the river; lots of hidden nooks and treasures to discover. Chloe, our marketing assistant, is a local in the southeast, so we got her to share a few of her fave spots to eat, shop and explore.
Need to feel like you are going on a lil’ inner-city retreat? Well, look no further than Combi Elwood. This quaint beachy café situated in the heart of Ormond Street boasts positive vibes, healthy-eating and delicious smoothies packed with goodness (must try: the Blue Moon smoothie & the Acai bowl). Not only do they make their own Nut “Mylk”, but they also have plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Combi spoils us for choice with their raw, organic and nutritious meals and certainly makes us feel like life's a beach.
138 – 140 Ormond Road, Elwood, VIC
www.combieelwood.com.au
Instagram: @combieelwood
This old mechanic workshop turned one-stop-shop of indoor plants, homewares and GREAT coffee is a community favourite. Known for their friendly staff and incredibly wonderful customer service, this café is sure to please. A hop, skip and a jump from Carlisle street, you can have a new plant in one hand, and one of our Chai’s in another.
126A Chapel St, St. Kilda, VIC
www.facebook.com/GarageEspresso/
Instagram: @garageamore
Not all health stores are created equal, and Pachaviva is here to prove it! Perfectly situated on Hampton Street, this charming local “pantry” focuses on supporting organic, sustainable and fair-trade products. With an array of goods ranging from skincare and supplements to vegan delights and freshly baked bread, there is something for everyone here! To impress even more, they have bookings available with their talented health practitioners to assist with getting your aura looking fresh as a daisy.
446 Hampton St, Hampton, VIC
www.pachaviva.com
Looking for an impressive birthday gift or housewarming pressie for your mates? Frankie and Coco’s playful décor will have you madly shopping for friends (and probably yourself, let’s be honest). With trendy Aussie brands such as Bande Studio & Zulu & Zephyr, this homewares, clothing and accessories store is perfect for those who adore charming and bright wares. Check out their picnic mats by Kollab: water resistant, easy to fold and beautiful! They also have an ADORABLE baby store Augie and May supplying unique & sustainable baby essentials. So get ready to treat your favourite person, even if it is yourself.
398 Hampton St, Hampton, VIC
Frankieandcoco.com
Instagram: @frankieandcoco
With a focus on ethically sourced products, and gravitating towards supporting smaller designers and craftspeople, The Mantel Store is the little shop that could. Offering beautiful and quality products for the home, this little brick and mortar aims to provide treasures that are made to last. They also have an array of gorgeous jewellery, ceramics and books to tickle any fancy. So, whether you are after something delightful to look at, or prefer products with elegant practicality, this darling storefront has you covered.
32 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, VIC
www.themantelstore.com
Instagram: @themantelstore
With its iconic sunburnt cliffs and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder that Half Moon Bay is Melbourne’s favourite “out of town” swimming spot. Located only 35 minutes southeast of Melbourne, this secluded Blackrock beach brings Europe to our doorstep. Summertime tunes are often heard from the beachgoers speakers as they devour fresh fish n’ chips from the local beachfront kiosk Cerberus Beach House. If you’re feeling adventurous (and want to be the envy of other beach dwellers), we recommend bringing a delicious charcuterie board along with a homemade Iced Chai to beat the heat. Remember to bring plenty of water and an umbrella, as shade is limited, and the “hot spots” are often snagged early. Other than that, get ready for a gorgeous sunset and let all your worries set with the sun.
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