Imagine waking up every morning to Spring Street’s majestic streetscape unfolding before you.
Flanked by the Old Treasury Building at one end – one of the city’s finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture, originally built in 1862 – and the Victorian-era Princess Theatre at the other, Spring Street is a collision of old and new, where past and present sit side by side to paint a picture of the city’s cultural transformation.
Art & Architecture
Victorian-era architecture is juxtaposed with cutting-edge, contemporary design. Ultra-luxury, high-rise residential developments tower over low-rise 19th century office buildings, creating an incredible haven for residents to call home. This urban wonderland is bordered by bustling, verdant gardens, ensuring it is an exciting yet relaxing place to live.
This fusion of aesthetics and archetypes so beautifully tells the story of a district once defined by bureaucracy and politics, but now revered for its lifestyle, liveability and culinary-led culture. And for those lucky enough to reside there, the Spring Street postcode serves them up on a platter.
Royal Exhibition Building and Treasury Gardens. Picture: iStock
Culinary creations
The gentrification of Melbourne and the explosion of its world-class food and wine offering has seen every inch of the city become its own distinct, vibrant epicentre. There’s the trendy arts hub that is Southbank, Little Bourke’s bustling Chinatown, Lonsdale Street’s Greek quarter, Flinders Lane’s restaurant precinct, and, of course, Spring Street – the Paris End. No matter the cuisine or dining experience you’re after, it will never be more than a short walk away.
Rooftop bars
The Paris End is worlds away from the graffitied laneways, long restaurant queues and kaleidoscopic nightlife now ubiquitous in the CBD. Here, quiet bars favour worn-in chesterfield lounge chairs, clothed tables and extensive wine lists over bar stools, strobe lights and cheap spirits. Before calling it a night, stop by one of the spacious rooftop terraces with sparkling city views, or settle into one of the swanky saloons that spill out into spotless sidewalks. With only a few steps to your front door, you can savour every second.
The Paris End is worlds away from the graffitied laneways.
Endless entertainment
Take a stroll down Spring Street on any given Sunday and the tide of weekday suits has ebbed, replaced by waves of weekend revellers. You’ll find local apartment residents relaxing over long lunches or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the leafy gardens, theatre goers enjoying a leisurely, post-show supper. Unlike the harried diners in the heart of the CBD, here, there is time to relax, take a load off and soak up the surroundings. Food is a ritual and hospitality, therefore, a celebration.
Spring Street harks back to the understated and unassuming Melbourne that gave the city its envious enigma. The Melbourne before hipsters hijacked it and drenched it in almond milk, avolattes and ostentation. It doesn’t care about the latest Instagram food sensation, trend or fad; driven instead by a desire to preserve the real, unfiltered Melbourne way.
Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: iStock
Style & Sophistication
Spring Street is style and substance. It’s refined, sophisticated and timeless, and refuses to buy into a culture that values gimmick over authenticity.
Much like the majestic buildings that characterise its inimitable streetscape, Spring Street serves as a reminder that no matter how much Melbourne changes, some things will always remain the same.
It’s the Melbourne locals fell in love with. The Melbourne that beckoned them – one specialty coffee and epicurean eatery at a time – into its urban arms. And it’s not going anywhere.
Spring Street, like Melbourne, is style and substance.
Local favourites
The European: 161 Spring St
All-day eatery with European sensibilities
theeuropean.com.au
Melbourne Supper Club: 1/161 Spring St
Up-market, late-night wine bar. A Spring St institution.
melbournesupperclub.com.au
Siglo: 2/161 Spring St
Rooftop terrace bar with views over Parliament House.
siglobar.com.au
Federici Bistro: 163 Spring St
Delicious, modern Australian dining in a café-style setting. Open late.
federici.com.au
Imperial Hotel: Corner Bourke and Spring St
One of the city’s oldest pubs. Boasts a sprawling balcony bar and the sports bar has two screens.
bourkestreetimperial.com
Spring St Grocer: 157 Spring St
Gourmet deli and provedore. Home to one of the city’s best artisanal gelaterias
springstreetgrocer.com.au
City Wine Shop: 159 Spring St
Boutique cellar and wine bar. Stop in for a cheese platter or a vino masterclass.
citywineshop.net.au
