Sure, for ten or so years seaside enclave Double Bay was more bleak than chic, but these days the leafy lunching lady nabe is getting back to her former glory. So make like a savvy Sydneysider and swing over to check out the best makers and shakers before everyone else does.
First stop is the ravishing InterContinental, which upped the style ante of buzzy Cross St and surrounds with its opening a few years ago. Peek beyond her grand facade and you’ll find ace eater Stockroom and gin jewel Stillery, plus a nautical-chic rooftop pool lounge overlooking the harbourside’s sweeping emerald blues.
A tried and true Japanese attack awaits next door at Sake. Shimmy on through and perch yourself at the counter where sushi sensei plate up delectable Nippon nibbles via a custom binchoban charcoal grill.
Refuelled and retail-ready? Good-o! On nearby Transvaal Ave where you’ll stumble upon a cute clutch of converted Victorian terraces that now play home to leading label land Belinda (with Dries Van Noten, Isabel Marant, Christopher Kane et al), plus French provincial Maison et Jardin for gorgeous trunks, library ladders and linens alongside a jumble of Euro designware and antique treats. Ooh la la!
After the loop, traverse Cross St and keep your peepers peeled for stationary sweetie Papier D’Amour, your one stop-shop for a rainbow of leather-bound journals, foiled prints and miscellaneous purse-purgers, sealed with a kiss.
By now you’ll probably need a quick caffeine hit so saunter over to ethical eats emporium About Life on Kiaora Lane. Here, organic blends are teamed with blow-your-socks-off vege delights and an extensive health store stocked with everything from superfood staples to eco-friendly beauty products.
Next up, dip into Mud Australia for Shelley Simpson’s top tablewares and pretty pastel porcelain, then skip over to Bay St for the only Oz store of Parisian rocker girl go-to Iro. You know the drill, Jill; signature tweed jackets and darling denim, ahoy!
Perhaps one last flex of the old AmEx? That gleaming light imposing on your periphery is diamond dame Melissa Harris and her gorgeous gem-den next door. Peek inside for coveted cocktail rings and frosted ear candy… we DOUBLE dare you…
By now you’re ready to retire the shoppers, so trot on down to buzzy, terrace bistro-bar Mrs Sippy and flop your bot in her charming courtyard for a well-deserved gargle among a sea of sun-kissed, nautical-clad tail’ shakers. Now, who says this enclave has fallen by the bayside?
For more neighbourhood guides and shopping itins, bag a copy of the LUXE Sydney guide..
