Tram To: Route 59, Moonee Ponds and Essendon.

Walking around Essendon off tram route 59 is like being in a maze. Stores blend into houses, so it’s very easy to mistake a white patioed cafe for a family dwelling. There are many small villages dotted throughout the suburb. With walking shoes on, I’m spending the day winding through the area and enjoying my pick of the many lounging spots. From a tucked-away cheese shop to a shopping promenade, there’s plenty to choose from.

Along the large Moonee Ponds shopping promenade, there’s a store for everything. I swing by The Source Bulk Foods. Loading up a paper bag of goodies for the road, I could choose from the array of energy balls or fruit and nut blends, but opt for chocolate-coated macadamias instead. It’s a wise choice.

Further afield, on either side of Essendon train station, are two more villages. Both have a quaint array of cafes, shops, and local necessities. Near these I discover my favourite cafe of the area, previously a one-storey home, now Copper and Spoon. The interior still resembles that of a house, but now the front room has a food-filled counter space and the corridor leads off into different rooms invitingly furnished with tables and chairs.

At the furthest remove from my starting point, I find a place of respite and a touch of foreign escape in Essendon. Pastry shop Parisian Baker has a wide selection of sweet and savoury goodies. Opting for petite and carefully constructed desserts, and an obligatory almond croissant, I eat them window side; my last lounge room of the day. Visiting homewares store Visual Addict on the way back to the tram, it’s tempting to recline in the living-room style shop and take a piece of Frida Kahlo paraphernalia for my own home.

Eat
The red and white neon sign inside Rose Milk Food Store depicts the cafe name exactly: a rose in a milk bottle. There isn’t any of the latter on the drinks menu, but try the cascara, a unique coffee and tea blend made from the skin of the coffee fruit. Drink alongside one of their home-style meals.

Address: 32 Albion Street, Essendon, 3040

Website: none
Contact no: 9372 9097

Shop
The Source Bulk Foods is a no-waste food store. Bring your own jars from home and fill up with a generous range of ingredients, from dried fruits, nuts and grains, to the more exotic bee pollen and macadamia oil. There is kombucha too, and it’s on tap.

Address: 26 Pratt Street, Moonee Ponds, 3039
Website: www.thesourcebulkfoods.com.au
Contact no: 9370 2533

Explore
Next door to a wine store is Harper and Blohm Cheese Shop. The cozy store sells everything from brie-bakers to blue cheese powder. You’re encouraged to sample the cheese before it’s cut and wrapped to order. You can also shop online, or taste at farmers markets across Melbourne.

Address: 80 Primrose Street, Essendon, 3040
Website: www.harperandblohm.com
Contact no: 9370 6428