Café Life in Melbourne
The suburb of East Melbourne has the best of both worlds as one half of the area is actually devoted to parkland or sporting grounds, therefore even though you are in close proximatey to the city, it certainly doesn't feel like it. The attractive 26 hectare Fitzroy Gardens encompasses many attractions including Captain Cook's Cottage, a conservatory, a miniature Tudor village, the Fairies Tree, and several fountains and rotundas. The Treasury Gardens, on the corner of Spring Street and Wellington Parade, are popular due to their proximity to Melbourne's CBD and their grassy and shady slopes. The famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), dating back to 1853, includes a huge stadium which hosts many football and cricket matches, including the AFL Football Grand Final, as well as having been the main arena for significant international sporting events.
East Melbourne is home to a number of government offices, including Victoria's State Government, housed at Parliament House in Spring Street, with free tours of this historic building available to the public. A number of specialist hospitals are based in East Melbourne, while the skyline is dominated by the historic St Patrick's Cathedral which is regarded internationally as one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in Australia. A small commercial centre is located along Wellington Parade, servicing local residents in the nearby exclusive and wide tree-lined residential streets.
George Street Cafe
Lively and friendly, the George Street Café is one of the “hidden pearls of Melbourne”. It offers you the opportunity to stop for a breath of fresh air and relax during your weekdays or weekends, whatever the season. On winter days, warm yourself in comfortable lounges with soft light and quite music or have a seat along one of our big windows and watch the world go past whilst enjoying a hot beverage. On sunny days, sit outside and enjoy the open-air area and be charmed by the beauty of this old Victorian suburb. The friendly staff at the George Street Café will be pleased to meet your requirements in this cosy and delightful atmosphere. George Street Café and Catering 65 George Street East Melbourne Vic 3002 Phone: 9419 5805 Fax: 94195805 Email: gscatering@georgestreetcafe.com.au
The Commune
The Commune is a cafe, patisserie, wine bar and function venue that is an ideal meeting place for breakfast, business lunches and after work drinks. In the evening, sit back with a glass of your favourite red (19 varieties of wine by the glass) in the outdoor courtyard and enjoy some live jazz. The tapas and dinner menus offer choices that will impress. The Commune's chef produces a variety of cakes, pastries, slices and biscuits fresh daily. The Commune Cnr Parliament Place & St Andrews Place, East Melbourne VIC 3002. Phone:9654 5477 Email: info@thecommune.com.au Website: www.thecommune.com.au
The European
Reminiscent of old world Europe, The European mines the traditions of rural France, Italy and Spain. 7.30 to 3am, Breakfast to supper, 7 days a week, The European serves honest, simple food, sourcing only the best produce from Australia and Europe. This institution is a must visit, even if it’s just for one of this cities finest coffees. “…..the European is not Spanish…. Nor is it French, Italian, Austrian or Greek. The European is a hybrid creation that evokes memories (and the occasional bit of longing) for the wine bars and cafes of all those places; and the extent to which the concept resonates with Melbournians can be measured in the place's longevity….” Epicure
Browse around the site to check out menus or famous winelist, you can also view details of functions packages - catering to your every need. http://www.theeuropean.com.au/ - 161 Spring Street Melbourne. 96540811 Email info@theeuropean.com.au
The Pavillion Cafe
The Pavilion Cafe is located in the centre of the Fitzroy Gardens next to the Tudor Village and Fairies Tree. The original Kiosk was opened in the centre of the Gardens in 1908. This half-timber style building incorporated tea rooms, a band stand, a residence for the proprietor and public toilets. A dining room was added in the 1920's. The Kiosk was the first such facility in the public parks and appears to have been an immediate success. The timber building was damaged by fire during 1960, later demolished and plans drawn up for a new Cafe, the present brick building was opened in 1964. The Pavilion Cafe is open every day, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 5pm. Can be booked at other times for private functions. For all inquiries phone 9417 2544. www.thepavilionfitzroygardens.com.au. For more information, click on our East Melbourne Local Living page