The Thousands

There’s a wave of cutesy handmade and curated vintage sweeping the nation. Some call it ‘The Cult of Frankie Magazine’, accompanied by a sneer of disdain. But look here, you. Check your cynicism at the vintage hatstand by the door. Any place where you can knock back a decent flattie AND fawn over wooden brooches is alright by me, and should be alright by you too. E for Ethel is just that place.

Tucked in a vine covered car park on Melbourne Street, E for Ethel turns a space that could easily be another soulless chain store or office into a delight for those who feel the pull of Bespoke letterpress prints, Days of August accessories, vintage aprons and Rekindle handmade teacup bangles. The laminex tables and cosy lounge chairs make the space homely, and coffee is served with a tiny piece of delicious slice and a cutting from an old book. It also helps that the owner is a darling. Amanda is the type of person who will not only know your name, but your entire life story by your second visit. ’Ethel’ isn’t a real person – in fact, she’s a street in Stirling – but Amanda is confident she’ll walk in one day. She’ll be someone’s nanna who has a rocking teacup collection, lighting-fast embroidery fingers, a hatbox full of faded photographs and plenty of stories to tell. And she will fit right in.