An eclectic thoroughfare in Melbourne’s inner north has shocked its own community after being named the world’s coolest street.
The High Street in Northcote, less than 10km from the CBD, topped Time Out’s annual list, beating the likes of New York’s Fifth Avenue.
It was the only Australian street to crack the top 10 and one of only two to make the full top 30 list, compiled by the publication’s international team of ‘local expert editors and contributors’.
Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road won second place, while East Eleventh in Austin, Texas, Buenos Aires’ Guatemala Street and Commercial Drive in Vancouver rounded out the top five.
As the main thoroughfare through inner city Northcote, Thornbury and Preston, the High Street stood out to editors for its lively atmosphere and ‘uniqueness, something for all local businesses’.
High Street (pictured) in Melbourne’s inner-city suburb of Northcote has been named the world’s coolest by Time Out
Melburnians and visitors alike flock to the bustling strip for its lively cafe scene and nightlife
The bustling strip is home to dozens of cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs, a boutique cinema, a theatre, exclusive and vintage clothing shops and parkland.
The High Street also scored points for its easy access to the CBD via public transport.
“Day to night, visitors can find great food and drink like authentic Portuguese pies at Casa Nata, local natural wine at Northside Wines or lasagna at 1800 Lasagne,” the guide says.
Renowned for its many live music venues, the High Street is home to legendary venues such as the Northcote Social Club and Croxton Band Room, as well as smaller venues such as the High Note and Shotkickers.
‘It’s a strip where vintage shops and cool cafes sit comfortably alongside a food truck park and indie cinema. We hate to be clichéd and say there’s something for everyone on the High Street, but in this case it’s true.’
Time Out Melbourne editor Leah Glynn added: ‘We Melburnians love a rooftop bar and the High Street is home to a real beauty in Gigi Rooftop. Intimate and exclusive (the tiny space is only accessible via the Umberto Espresso Bar), it’s the perfect spot for a sunset tipple with a side of sweeping suburban views.’
As well as being a trendy place to eat, drink, socialize and shop, hundreds of Melburnians and visitors recently flocked to the streets for the annual Northcote Rise Festival.
The busy strip in inner-city Melbourne was one of two Australian streets to make the top 30
Northcote Theatre’s general manager and president of local business associations, Andrew Mansfield, has worked in the High Street for two decades.
He was surprised but excited to hear that the street is being championed globally.
“It’s cool without being pretentious,” said Mr. Mansfield to Daily Mail Australia.
“The street has always had a lack of corporate feel about it with an incredibly large amount of retailers and an eclectic mix of things for everyone.”
‘There’s food, live music, good pubs, friendly people and parkland, all surrounded by culture.’
Mansfield was not surprised that the new recognition would attract an influx of more visitors to the already busy thoroughfare
“We’re built for it – there’s lots of retail and stacks of bars and pubs to bring people here,” he said.
Foster Street in inner-city Sydney’s Surry Hills also made the top 30 list, just weeks after US pop star Taylor Swift visited the eatery with her entourage to enjoy an Italian meal at Pellegrino 2000.
The High Street in Northcote is known for its eclectic mix of cafes, bars, shops and live music venues. Pictured are crowds during the recent Northcote Rise Festival
