As proud Preston residents since 2004, we have watched the area evolve over the past 14 years and have welcomed with open arms all the wonderful new shops, cafés, bars and other curiosities that have opened in our local neighbourhood.
Whether you are travelling to Melbourne or a regular visitor to our ELK Preston store, we wanted to share with you some of our favourite places.
Given there are so many wonderful options this is not an exhaustive list, so make sure to regularly drop by our blog to discover more great places to visit as we continue to update with new and old favourites...
SHOP
ELK Preston
The home of ELK in Melbourne, our shop is a northern sanctuary where you can shop the full range of our latest season women’s apparel, jewellery, textiles, bags and knitwear as well as Mr ELK, our men’s range of handcrafted leather goods.
Why We Love
Call us biased, but we think you’ll fall in love with our stylish simplicity and statement handcrafted designs.
Where To Find
395 Plenty Road, Preston
I Dream a Highway
One of our favourite Elk stockists, Idah and her talented team at I Dream a Highway has been serving up a revolving collection of the area’s finest design talents since 2007.
Why We Love
Featuring a carefully curated selection of locally designed and ethically manufactured labels you are sure to find a something special.
Where To Find
259 High St Northcote
LIFESTYLE
North St. Botanical
Step inside the stunning North St. Botanical and surround yourself in natural and seasonal blooms with a dash of innovative design for a decidedly satisfying botanical fix.
Why We Love
Pretty blooms for all occasions tailored to your individual taste
Where To Find
776 High Street, Thornbury
COFFEE
Boundary Espresso Café
In the coffee capital of Australia, we are rather spoilt for choice so if you fancy your coffee with an organic twist and gourmet baked goods, Boundary Espresso Café is the place to go.
Why We Love
Quote from our Elk team member “best breakfast brioche ever” – the only way to find out is to try it for yourself!
Where To Find
107 Plenty Road Preston
Cedar Bakery
At Elk, we say “all hail carbohydrates”. Thanks to the Cedar Bakery our desire for simply delicious Lebanese pizza, pastries (hello baklava) and all things deliciously doughy, our bread cravings have been sated.
Why We Love
To quote a particularly dedicated Elk fan: The ‘to die for’ Lebanese Bakery!
Where To Find
33-37 High Street, Thornbury
Brown Bear Café
Looking for the perfect triple mix of food, coffee and friendly service? Brown Bear Café is the place for you.
Why We Love
Not content with hitting the trifecta, they also have a donation tin for the Free The Bears Fund with cheques on the wall to show customers how much they have donated so far.
Where To Find
301 High St, Preston
Umberto Espresso Café
Old style Italian charm doesn’t come much better than our local favourite Umberto Espresso Café.
Why We Love
Double the Italian credentials with not only great coffee but winning pasta as well. Adding the froth on top is the simply ‘divine’ team making this one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets.
Where To Find
822 High Street, Thornbury
Jackson Dodds
The owner, Jackson, is a legend! Delicious muffins, coffee and dedicated and kiddies table to keep everyone happy.
Why We Love
Supreme organic fair-trade roasted coffee and an extensive tea list complimented by an all-day menu with outdoor seating for when Melbourne turns on the sunshine.
Where To Find
611 Gilbert Road, Preston
Plenty of Everything
At ELK we love local and this gem of an eatery serves up ethically and locally sourced organic goodness. Homemade meals created from scratch made from the best and freshest ingredients.
Why We Love
Not only do they nurture the belly but every Saturday morning they hold yoga classes to balance the mind and body.
Where To Find
224 Plenty Road, Preston
Ampersand
We have loved watching our local community build over the past 13 years so when we came across Liam Wilson’s Café, Ampersand, and learnt he chose the location for his café because he was drawn to the local community, we recognised a kindred spirit.
Why We Love
Meat lovers and vegetarians will unite with a hearty offer to suit everyone’s tastes. Add coffee from Padre and the offer of a blanket if you fancy sitting out in the courtyard and you are guaranteed to feel cosy inside and out.
Where To Find
863 High Street Thornbury
FOOD
Dexter Burgers
If a burger craving has tickled your taste buds you can’t go past Dexter Burgers.
Why We Love
Need a little more than the promise of a great burger to tip you over the line? We think their ‘delish’ cocktails will do the trick.
Where To Find
456 High Street, Preston
Som Tam
Tried and tested, Som Tam delivers delicious authentic Thai food every time. This family friendly restaurant offers the perfect mix of signature and traditional Thai for your spicy fix.
Why We Love
Authentic Thai food doesn’t get much better than this!
Where To Find
750 High Street, Thornbury
Chato
There’s a good reason why Spanish food is the hot ticket in Melbourne town and our local eatery, Chato is our pick for a weekday feast.
Why We Love
Delicious and authentic Spanish Tapas with a $19.90 three-course lunch. Add in fantastic service and you have the perfect lunch date! Fried milk desert wins the best ‘EVER’ – no sharing!
Where To Find
921 High Street, Thornbury
DRINK
Barton Fink Bar
Named after the left-of-centre cult film character, Barton Fink is an establishment that pays homage to the ‘the life of the mind’. Comfy as your own lounge room with the added bonus of cinematic décor, weekly music performances and excellent bar snacks.
Why We Love
Great local for after work drinks
Where To Find
816 High St, Thornbury
Sartoria Melbourne
At Sartoria, hints of a former life as a successful dressmaking and bridal business lend a certain elegance to the modern day incarnation as a light filled and warm café.
Why We Love
Many people seek high and low for the best Bloody Mary and here at Elk, we think we’ve found it!
Where To Find
115 Plenty Rd, Preston
Pallino Bar
The location of Pallino bar was the heartland for Bocce tournaments in the 1950’s. This local bar brings the game back into play mixed with a rather fine selection of beverages.
Why We Love
Who doesn’t love a game of Bocce on an astroturfed backyard for a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Where To Find
790 High St, Thornbury
Let us know on Instagram or Facebook if you visit any of these wonderful local venues.
Enjoy,
ELK x