The Thousands

In 2007, Kati Bottomley realised there was nowhere to get a decent cup of coffee around her ‘hood, so she opened a sweet café called the Breakfast Club in the front room of her house. A few years on, she is not only sorted for caffeine and celebrity-themed breakfasts, but also a nice glass of Shiraz and pigs cheek on toast at her brand new bar/diner.

Situated, er, next door to the café in what was once the local chemist, Next Door is a local bar for local people, a combined effort between Kati, ex-customer Emily Pullen, chef Leilani Wolfenden (est est est, ondine) and music producer Christopher Arkley-Smith, who apparently is stuck in the ’90s and enjoys nothing more than washing the dishes.

The seasonal, produce-driven menu is sourced from specialty producers around Victoria, such as Plains Paddock lamb and Frattali Olive Oil, the bottles featuring a photo of Mr. Frattali himself on the label. The theme even extends to the décor, featuring tabletops made from the old Northcote Bowl lanes and lamp shades hand painted by local artists. It’s enough to make you self-conscious about travelling across town to visit, but don’t worry, those are the kind of food miles Next Door are cool with.