With the brand new LUXE Melbourne print guide fresh off the presses, we round up our fave new sips, sups and shops along the city’s perennially stylish Flinders Lane.
Maybe it’s the central location, the juxtaposition of wow archi old and new, or the charming, character-packed cobblestoned alleys that extend from it. Whatever the reason, Flinders Lane has long been one of Melbourne’s chicest strips, flaunting a bevy of top restos, boutiques and big label flagships. But this stalwart stylista isn’t one to rest on her laurels, there are always top new retail offerings and eateries cropping up. Here are some to seek out on your next Flinders Lane foray.
SHOP
Alpha 60
Homegrown hero Alpha 60 has been a fixture on Flinders Lane for several years, outfitting local mode mavens with sophisti fripperies from their small street-front store. But now the mecca for all things dark and drapey has taken over a stunning chapel-like space in historic Chapter House just two doors up from their diminutive original digs. Amble up the stairs to find the fab new flagship flaunting vaulted ceilings, cathedral windows, original stonework and, of course, their complete range of avant his n’ her’s apparel.
2/F, Chapter House, Flinders Ln. alpha60.com.au
Zambesi
Another recent Flinders relocation is Kiwi directional fash fave Zambesi, who have moved into an aptly monochrome showroom on the corner of Exhibition St that’s as sleek as one of their signature leather jackets. Expect industrial accents, glossy black floors, fresh art by NZ’s Brett Graham and preview pieces as well as complete RTW collections.
75 Flinders Ln. zambesistore.com
Obüs
The Nicholas building is a must for its many makers’ studios, but before you zip to the upper floors, be sure to mosey through the ground level, stain glass-ceilinged Cathedral Arcade where you’ll find boldly-shaded and perfectly patterned femmewear at the latest outpost of Kylie Zerbst’s much loved Melb-born brand.
Shop 5, Cathedral Arcade, 37 Swanston St (enter via Flinders Ln). obus.com.au
SUP
Ôter
From the same team behind two Flinders Lane lovelies – Southeast Asian sensation Coda and fission hot tandoor supper Tonka – comes this ode to provincial French cookery. But unadventurous Una’s beware, the seasonal menu is big on underutilised cuts. Beef tongue, anyone?
137 Flinders Ln. oter.com.au
Lee Ho Fook
Sino-Aussie kitchen ninja Victor Liong has made the move from hip hood Collingwood to this famed foodie stretch, taking up residence in a raw converted laneway warehouse. What hasn’t changed is the kick-ass, rotating Chinese classics rebooted for today’s tastebuds.
11-15 Duckboard Pl, just off Flinders Ln. leehofook.com.au
8Bit Bonus Round
Want to keep your mid-retail refuel cheap, easy and just the right amount of greasy? Try the pop-up locale of local burger counter 8Bit for half a dozen exclusive patty combos and sides like waffle fries and shakes. No word yet on when this temporary dude food den will depart, but there’s always the Swanston St branch when that time comes.
113 Flinders Ln, eat8bit.com.au
Maha
Shane Delia has been delighting Melb’s spice lovers with his moreish Moorish-Persian
morsels for more than five years, but now his once dark and clubby basement box, tucked between the two Flinders, is looking bright, white and all the more inviting after a recent nip/tuck.
21 Bond St. maharestaurant.com.au
SIP
Garden State Hotel
This verdant mega pub has been drawing long lines since it opened in July, so come before the Collins St suits knock off at five to ensure you nab a prime pint-ready perch under the glass roof of the leafy Beer Garden. Or try the chandeliered, subterranean Rose Garden saloon for vin and signature cocktails.
101 Flinders Ln. gardenstatehotel.com.au
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