North Melbourne's Emerging Hospitality Scene Attracts Young Entrepreneurs
North Melbourne is witnessing a surge in new hospitality ventures, with young operators recognising the area's untapped potential amidst a growing culinary scene.
'For how close it is to the city, how close it is to Queen Victoria Market, public transport and the universities, it's crazy there hasn't been more going on in North Melbourne,' says Austin Kangket, co-owner of new Queensberry Street hang-out Bear's Wine Bar.
He's part of a new cohort of young-gun hospitality operators who say they see untapped potential in North Melbourne, spurring them to set up shop in the postcode. It mirrors the recent, unexpected boom of cafe and restaurant openings in West Melbourne.
While not devoid of dining and drinking options, pubs in particular, North Melbourne has historically been short on those worth travelling for - more a place to pass through on the train or bypass altogether in favour of spoilt-for-choice Carlton or the CBD.
But jewels in its culinary crown, such as much loved (albeit now closed) cake shop Beatrix Bakes and hatted Mauritian restaurant Manze, have paved the way for a slow but steady stream of newcomers in the past 18 months. They're the kind of venues any neighbourhood would be happy to have, and locals have quickly embraced their relaxed, casual vibes.
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