Alexandria looks like a pretty underwhelming suburb on the outside. Found in Sydney’s inner west, somewhere between the airport, Newtown and the CBD, you may have driven through this residential-meets-industrial neighbourhood without even realising it. We’ve been living on Alexandria’s borders for the last 3 years though and have come to love it. Peer behind those warehouse roller doors and you can find some pretty cool things.
These are my fave addresses.
Grounds Of Alexandria
The indisputably hottest hipster hangout in Alexandria is the Grounds Of Alexandria on Huntley Street. Found in what was once an old pie factory, The Grounds is a genius mix of great food and gorgeous flowers in the midst of an urban jungle.
Known throughout Sydney for their freshly ground coffee and artisan pastries, The Grounds have gone from strength to strength since launching in 2012 and have recently added The Potting Shed, a soda bar and BBQ shack to their appeal. With full-time gardeners tending to their bougainvillea-laced arbours and a weekly craft market, The Grounds is not just somewhere you go to eat but is a quintessential Alexandria experience.
Promise me you’ll say hello to Kevin the pig when you visit.
7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
Mitchell Road Antique & Design Centre
I like to combine any visits to the The Grounds with a browse around the Aladdin’s cave that is Mitchell Road Antique & Design Centre. (Now located on Bourke Road – don’t let the name trick ya!)
This cavernous 2,300 square foot warehouse is crammed full of antique furniture, retro clothing and toy collectibles. Each little cube in the warehouse belongs to a different vendor so every square inch has its own strengths and personality.
I regularly pop in to see what new treasures have been unloaded. For travel fans it’s a great place to find vintage luggage, globes, maps and artwork – but don’t tell everyone, I like to have first dibs!
17 Bourke Rd, Alexandria
Seafolly Outlet
Another Alexandria secret is the Seafolly outlet on McEvoy Street. I love Aussie brand Seafolly’s swimwear and cover ups but with average garment prices of $100 who can afford that? Luckily I live around the corner to this outlet where past season collections are sold for up to 75% off. (And when you’re talking about a black 1 piece who can tell it’s past season really?)
Most items are no more than $30 including their dresses like this blue and white one I bought last year. I got some many compliments on it I went back and bought another when my first started to look a little too loved!
2/111-117 McEvoy St, Alexandria
Bread & Circus
I combine my visits to the Seafolly outlet with a lunch at Bread & Circus, which is just around the corner on Fountain Street. I feel like I have written about this place a lot – mainly because they have pale pink crockery and lemon ricotta pancakes that are to die for. With a wholesome, organic menu of salads and light brunches, Bread & Circus is great for when you want to eat out but feel angelic.
In the same building you’ll also find one of Sydney’s best coffee roasters, Campos Coffee, and Pana Chocolate, who make treats that are dairy, soy, gluten and refined sugar free and yet somehow still remain tasty!
21 Fountain Street, Alexandria
So you tempted to come explore my ‘hood?
Great neighbourhood! I recently visited Sydney and I have totally fallen in love with this city, how lucky are you to live there? I would love to live in Sydney even if just for few months….maybe one day?
It is a gorgeous place to live. I try not to take it for granted too much!