Northcote

Nestled about halfway along the Epping line in Melbourne’s north is the appropriately named suburb of Northcote – home to the always interesting and increasingly popular High Street.

Just a few minutes walk from Northcote Station, High Street and its surrounds has many shops, bars and pubs to help you turn spare time into fun times. Here are some of our tips:


Joe’s Shoe Store
233 High Street, Northcote
Phone: (03) 9482 7666

Although preceded by an actual footwear specialist, Joe’s Shoe Store is nothing of the sort. You’ll have more chance of stumbling across people chatting over a bottle of wine – and possibly a pizza from the equally good Pizza Meine Liebe next door – than you do of buying a sturdy pair of black leathers. The prominent wooden bar and upholstered stools and booths make way to a concrete courtyard out the back, perfect for a game of petanque.

Joe’s has more wines you can poke a shoehorn at, and there’s also a handy range of foreign beers on offer. This rare gem-of-a-bar in pub-friendly Northcote is as charming as it is retro.

So if you prefer your wines to your Windsor Smiths, or beers to your brogues, then Joe’s is the place for you.


Northcote Social Club
301 High Street, Northcote
Phone: (03) 9489 3917
northcotesocialclub.com

Housed in the historic Commercial Hotel is one of Melbourne’s live music institutions, the Northcote Social Club. Complete with well-worn band room carpet, the NSC is an unmistakably old-school symbol of all that is great about Melbourne’s pub scene: live music, food and beer.

With gigs most nights of the week, you’ll find live music to satisfy a range of tastes, and the grub’s not bad either. With a kitchen capable of banging out pub favourites (burgers and parmas) as well as a few fancy additions (peppered ‘roo fillets, pumpkin & rosemary sausages), the Social Club has it all. Oh, and they do a nice cold pint. Perfect if you’re hungry, perfect if you’re thirsty, and perfect if you’re a fan of quality live music.


The Estelle
243 High Street, Northcote
Phone: (03) 9489 4609
estellebar-kitchen.com

Step back in time to the stylish Estelle, a vintage-looking restaurant where the food and drink on offer is anything but old-fashioned. You’ll be equally impressed by the polished timber floors and matching crockery as you are the soothing retro sounds courtesy of the vinyl collection behind the bar. But it’s just as easy to be distracted by the classic cocktails on offer, complemented by a wine list made up of local and international drops. And that’s before you get to the food.

This 1950s-inspired eatery wouldn’t be complete without the elegant simplicity of fresh cuts of meat, balanced superbly with more imaginative options. The simple, creative food that comes straight from the open kitchen is sure to find a place in your heart.

So if you prefer style with your substance, head to the Estelle where – whether you’re up for a simple snack or a three course meal – their charming elegance will have you coming back for more. Even if it is just for a cocktail or two.


Wesley Anne
250 High Street, Northcote
Phone: (03) 9482 1333
wesleyanne.com.au

No High Street pilgrimage is complete without a visit to one of the more appealing additions to Northcote’s drinking and dining brethren, the Wesley Anne. Well-entrenched in the more than 150 year-old building, the Wesley Anne mixes old-world charm with pure social enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to escape the winter cold, or a cold drink in the spacious beer garden to enjoy summer, the Wesley Anne is a year-round winner. Its diverse menu has something for everyone, and is an ideal spot for dinner, drinks, or both.

With fine local wines a-plenty, a solid selection of local and imported beers, and the odd-night of live music, you’ll be praying you’ll never have to leave.