Travel 10 – Your Guide to Redfern

Posted on 27. Jul, 2010 by Cherry Picked in Leisure

Out & About In The ‘Fern

Even with a long-held reputation that often precedes itself, Redfern is slowly and surely becoming a vibrant inner-city drawcard. Wander about and unearth some diamonds among the rough.

1. Moose General Store and Cafe -
 Despite being in the most isolated location ever, it is a must if you’re ever in the ‘fern. What it lacks in space it makes up for in amazing coffee, truly awesome food and the most delightful staff this side of Cleveland St. 18 Cooper St. www.moose.com.au

2. 

Zensation Tea House – 
If you want a change from the fast-paced culture of espresso, then how about a leisurely tea-tasting here? A wide selection of teas and tisanes provide a relaxing way to whittle away the afternoon. 656 Bourke St. www.zensation.com.au.

3. 

Mao and More – A cavern of homewares and treasures. The tallest birdcages you’ll ever lay eyes on, kitschy imported toys, retro scales and kewpie dolls are just some of the things you’ll unearth here. 267-271 Cleveland St. www.maoandmore.com.

4. Redfern Park – A beautiful park where the trees seem tall enough to touch the sky, and home of the Redwater Markets (held on the third Saturday of every month). Watch the Rabbitohs in their natural habitat as they train at the adjacent oval.

 51 Redfern St.

5. Baffi & Mo – 
This cafe has an all-too-tempting menu and always has the cool crowd spilling out of its wide windows onto Redfern Street, yet it never feels pretentious. Portions can be large; bring friends who will finish your leftovers.

 94 Redfern St.

6. Seasonal Concepts  - This cavern of a space houses amazing bric-a-brac of the vintage and antique variety. The myriad of strange treasures might include a stuffed peacock, hatboxes, rustic lattices and patina’d kitchenware. 122 Redfern St. www.seasonalconcepts.com.au.

7. Quirk’s Grocery and Gourmet Deli Cafe - A hidden gem among the terraces of Pitt St. The fit-out is slick and the shelves are filled to the brim with gourmet goodies, whether you’re here to stock up or chow down it’s impossible not to find something you’ll love. 74 Pitt St.

8. Strangers With Candy – Although they may lure you with promises of sweets, it’s the creativity of the dinner menu which will persuade you to stay. Duck confit (with apple and ginger agrodolce) and tea-smoked salmon make for some fine dining in unlikely surrounds. 96 Kepos St. www.strangerswithcandy.com.au.

9. Snap up some furniture and design…
Retro on Regent (88 Regent St), A Pair of Chairs (80 Regent St), Finishing Touches Restoration (158 Regent St) and Two4Retro (2-4 Botany Rd) each contain some amazing furnishings with an array of styles and curios.

10. Appetite - With its high ceilings and retro interior this cafe invites you in to sample its fare, of which the burgers are a stand-out. Take a street-facing seat to watch all the characters saunter past.

 82 Regent St.

Oh it’s impossible to stick to ten…what’s a couple more:

11. Eveleigh Markets – 
Technically not in Redfern, but a mere heartbeat away from the station. A haven for foodies and lovers of organic fare. Grab some breakfast, seasonal produce and maybe a boutique bottle of wine every Saturday, whatever the weather. 243 Wilson St. www.eveleighmarkets.com.au

12. Art Galleries - Favourites to check out include Bill + George, Black & Blue, GrantPirrie and Damien Minton.

Tags: art gallery, brunch, cafe, Carriageworks, deli, design, drink, eat, everleigh, furniture, markets, Redfern, tea house