Chapel Street in South Yarra is one of Melbourne’s prestigious fashion destinations and one that is internationally-recognised. Yet, there are some interesting shops along the strip that are as far removed from fashion as possible. It’s these shops that embody Chapel Street’s inner city, community spirit and it’s this spirit that gives Chapel Street its homely edge.
Cisco’s World of Coffee
Cisco’s sells to coffee and tea sourced from over 30 countries. Cisco’s products are percolated from a blend of Cisco’s knowledge and experience, and clients’ changing demands derived from their subjective perceptions of flavour.
Cisco’s is brimming with specialised coffee blends, tea in wooden chests, cups, plungers, pots, and KeepCups for eco-conscious aficionados. The smell of freshly roasted beans engulfs anyone who enters; a sign that Cisco’s blends are as unique as the person drinking the coffee. Cisco’s blends are in demand among locals and all coffee is roasted onsite every day in Cisco’s 40-year old roaster; a relic that’s soon to be replaced.
106 Chapel Street Windsor Victoria 3181 Australia. Phone (03) 9510 7997. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday closed.
McPhee’s Fine Antiques
Walking into McPhee’s Fine Antiques is like stepping into old England. Bespoke cabinets, plush chairs and robust tables are furnished by overhanging oil paintings, lamps and chiming clocks. McPhee’s is as old as Australia’s Federation; four generations have kept the business thriving. McPhee’s instils a deep fondness for 17th and 18th Century English pieces from the Regency period to King George IV’s time.
Two floors are filled with enticing treasures; all from a time when opulent spending and highly revered craftsmanship were fashionable. Floorboards creak underfoot as customers discover furniture made by respected makers including Holland & Sons and Gillow.
Collectors and decorators shop here and they know what they want. McPhee’s skilled and specialised expertise meet demand; the owners travel to England every few years to source prized stock.
200-202 Chapel Street, Prahran Victoria 3181 Australia.
Northside Wheelers
As Malachi Moxon hands his customer a cotton shopping bag, you can sense his intrinsic connection to cycling. The bag’s message echoes rhythmic 1970s English punk rock guitars overhead: “Life is better on a bicycle”.
Northside Wheelers is testament to this North Yorkshire-born rider’s cycling passion. Moxon, an established semi-professional rider, was selling his stash of “fine cycling wares” in Greville Street. Now, he occupies a spacious garage-esque shopfront on Wilson Street to complement Dan Hale’s custom bicycle studio Shifter Bikes; only a doorway separates them.
Hale works on builds/repairs while Moxon sells accessories, such as high-end Rapha threads, helmets and cycling books, all against a backdrop of retro cycling memorabilia. Moxon’s clients are loyal and community-spirited; working alongside Hale now offers a locale for this cycling following.
6a Wilson Street South Yarra Victoria 3141 Australia. Open Tuesdays to Thursdays 10am to 6pm, Fridays 10am to 7pm, Saturdays 10am to 4pm, closed Sundays and Mondays.
