Melbourne Pocket Precincts

Things to see

SUN THEATRE

8 Ballarat St, Yarraville

The much-loved gorgeous Art Deco Sun Theatre is the cinematic heart of the Yarraville village, screening a diverse selection of new release, popular and arthouse films from around the world. Today it’s a beautifully restored gem that contains eight luxurious cinemas of various sizes, each with its own Art Deco-inspired decor and many gorgeous original details.

Where to drink

VICTORIA HOTEL

43 Victoria St, Footscray

This old-school corner pub has been reimagined without losing its character andcharm, with a menu of classic counter meals and nouveau pub cuisine. While it still looks much the same from the outside, the Victoria Hotel has had quite a bit of work done since it was known as Harts Victoria Hotel. The sticky carpet is gone, the floors have been polished and there’s enough warm timber and subdued lighting to balance the concrete beneath your feet.

Where to shop

PERFECT SPLASH

61 Victoria St, Footscray

This cute-as-a-button local shop is operated by talented creative siblings Annabelle and Alana and sells Melbourne made goods that will make your heart sing. Perfect Splash is the colourful front to their studio space out back, where they make functional and decorative ceramic pieces under the name Paradise Structures, and design and produce their own line of limited-edition clothing for men and women.

Where to eat

PHO HUNG VUONG SAIGON

128 Hopkins St, Footscray

Get your fill of some of the city’s best pho soup at this bustling Vietnamese eatery. It’s regularly full of hungry local families, workers and those who travel to Footscray just to eat here. The glass-fronted space is bright and not too trendy: grab a window seat for the best spot to watch the action on colourful Hopkins Street. The atmosphere is fast and fun, with pop hits playing on the stereo and young, light-footed staff who make the place run like clockwork.

Things to do

FOOTSCRAY COMMUNITY ARTS

45 Moreland St, Footscray

Community spirit and creativity come together at this neighbourhood arts complex with a view. It has performance and exhibition spaces, as well as music, theatre, dance, exhibitions, and workshops that showcase the talents of local artists and performers. The Indigenous cultural program is outstanding, and linguistically diverse migrant communities, refugees, people with a disability, trans and gender diverse people are all welcomed.

All text is extracted from Melbourne Pocket Precincts by Dale Campisi and Michael Brady
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