Postcodes
The Age
Tuesday May 11, 2004
With its rows of tiny Victorian terraces, Edwardian bungalows and stately, elm-lined streets juxtaposed against new (and rather colourless) estates, high-rise flats and factory and industrial precincts, this postcode encompasses a range of demographics. Food and drink options run the gamut, too, with pockets of cafes, strips of delis, budget supermarkets, Asian grocers and halal butchers, a couple of theme pubs and isolated takeaways servicing factories and warehouses.
10 OF THE BEST
1 Blush (43 Epsom Road, Kensington) Probably the classiest restaurant in the area. Locals know to book at weekends for excellent mod-Oz dishes at reasonable prices.
2 In spite of its done-up dining areas, Hardiman's (521 MacAulay Road, Kensington) is still the comfiest pub in a postcode strangely lacking in old-school "locals". Go for meals, live music and the comforting clickety-clack of pool balls.
3 Kensington Salumeria (482 MacAulay Road, Kensington) is where Kensington locals on their way home from the station drop in for no-fuss take-home meals and deli items.
4 Opposite Kensington station sits The Corner on Bellair (170 Bellair Street, Kensington). This narrow, cosy place specialises in hearty snacks and smaller meals, cakes and coffee - and brekky, of course.
5 New kid on the block is Verb Cafe (336 Racecourse Road, Flemington). With its rocking chairs and second-hand books (to read, buy or swap) and home-made soups, pides, bagels, cakes and slices, it's the perfect place to lounge and graze.
6 Fringe (295 Racecourse Road, Flemington), just down the road, is a groovy bar with bands and DJs playing late at weekends, and a kitchen serving decent restaurant-style meals.
7 Shaded by magnificent elms is Pepper (44 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington), another newie establishing a rep with tasty fare, excellent coffees and friendly service.
8 Caterworld (161 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington) mainly sells equipment to the catering industry but also caters to householders looking for kitchen stuff such as spatulas, spoons, knives and so on - not to mention well-priced ovens, stovetops and fridges.
9 Pace Biscuits (202 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington) has been quietly making natural, home-style biscuits, honey bread, nougat and the like, and distributing them across Australia, for more than 30 years.
10 French-influenced Book 'n' Bite (185b Mount Alexander Road, Flemington), serves quiches, sandwiches and larger dishes such as coq au vin, along with such delicacies such as friandes. Check out the impressive range of cookbooks for sale.
© 2004 The Age
