The local edit
Five Reasons to Stay a Little Longer in Hawthorn
East End Wine Bar
A true local
Set inside the restored Young’s Auction House, East End balances polished and approachable with ease. Heritage details, warm lighting and contemporary interiors create a space that invites you to stay awhile. It feels equally suited to a spontaneous Tuesday night Pinot as it does to a celebratory dinner that runs late.
Melbourne Football Club captain Max Gawn is one of the faces behind East End, alongside hospitality veterans Rich Donovan, Craig Tate and Phil Gjisbergs. Together, they’ve shaped a venue built on genuine neighbourhood hospitality, where wine, food and service take centre stage.
The wine list favours boutique Australian producers and thoughtful European drops, while the menu is designed for sharing charcuterie, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal plates that keep conversation flowing.
Positioned opposite the iconic Rivoli, East End has become a local ritual: a pre-film Negroni, a post-work catch-up or a long lunch that turns into dinner. It isn’t chasing trends. It’s cultivating something more enduring – a sense of belonging.
In a city spoilt for choice, that’s what makes East End stand out. It’s not just somewhere to drink wine. It’s somewhere to become a regular.
It’s found in the café where the barista remembers your order, the restaurant that quietly becomes your default for celebrations, the wine bar where one glass stretches into three, or the cinema that reminds you why some experiences deserve to be savoured rather than streamed.
Hawthorn has long held that quiet confidence. Beyond its leafy streets and historic architecture lies a community of independent businesses, enduring institutions and neighbourhood favourites that reward those willing to linger. For members of Eclat, they’re more than nearby conveniences , they’re part of the rhythm of the day.
Young’s wine rooms
a new kind of wine bar
The best neighbourhood venues don’t demand attention, they earn it. Young’s Wine Rooms is one of those rare places that feels as though it’s always belonged, despite being one of Hawthorn’s newest additions.
Housed within the beautifully restored Young’s Auction House, the space is a masterclass in understated design. Warm timber, natural textures and intimate lighting create an atmosphere that’s refined without feeling formal, inviting guests to settle in for a quick glass that inevitably turns into a long afternoon.
At its heart, Young’s Wine Rooms celebrates the simple pleasure of good wine shared in good company. The list is thoughtfully curated, championing boutique Australian producers alongside classic European labels, while the menu embraces seasonal ingredients and uncomplicated dishes designed to complement what’s in your glass rather than compete with it.
There’s a confidence in the restraint. Nothing feels overworked or performative. Instead, every detail, from the service to the soundtrack has been carefully considered to create an experience that feels effortless. It’s hospitality at its most authentic: welcoming, knowledgeable and quietly memorable.
Mongkok Tea House
The ritual of gathering
The best neighbourhood restaurants become more than somewhere to eat, they become part of the rhythm of local life. In Hawthorn, Mongkok Tea House has earned that distinction.
A fixture on Burwood Road for decades, Mongkok has built its reputation not by chasing trends, but by perfecting the classics. It is the kind of place where families celebrate milestones, colleagues extend a business lunch into the afternoon, and regulars return knowing exactly what they’ll find: exceptional Cantonese cuisine, generous hospitality and a dining room that always feels alive.
Step inside and the energy is unmistakable. Bamboo steamers weave through the room, tables fill with glossy roast duck, fresh seafood and handcrafted dumplings, while conversation hums between generations of loyal diners. It’s bustling without feeling hurried, a reminder that the best meals are the ones shared.
The menu balances tradition with refinement, showcasing premium ingredients and time-honoured techniques across a selection designed for the centre of the table.
In a city celebrated for its dining culture, Mongkok Tea House continues to prove that longevity is the ultimate mark of quality. Some restaurants come and go. The great ones become part of the neighbourhood’s story and Mongkok remains one of Hawthorn’s finest.
Buff Studios
Space to Reset
The best brands aren’t simply built, they’re carefully considered. Every detail, every touchpoint and every experience reflects a philosophy. Buff Studios is one of them.
Nestled in the heart of Camberwell, Buff has redefined what a nail appointment can be. More than a beauty destination, it’s a thoughtfully designed space where elevated interiors, meticulous craftsmanship and genuine hospitality come together to create a moment of calm in an otherwise busy day.
Step inside and you’ll quickly understand why it has become a favourite among Melbourne’s creatives, professionals and founders. The aesthetic is refined yet welcoming, the service is unhurried and every treatment is delivered with an attention to detail that feels increasingly rare. It’s less about indulgence and more about creating space—to pause, reset and leave feeling a little more polished than when you arrived.
Behind the brand is founder Liv Hoang, whose entrepreneurial journey has been just as considered as the business she’s built. Her approach to leadership, customer experience and brand building has seen Buff grow into one of Melbourne’s most recognisable beauty destinations, proving that exceptional businesses are often built on consistency rather than compromise.
Rivoli Cinema
An occasion - restored
Some places refuse to be rushed. In an era of streaming services and endless scrolling, Rivoli Cinemas reminds us that the best stories deserve to be experienced together.
Standing proudly on Camberwell Road since the 1940s, the Rivoli is one of Melbourne’s most treasured Art Deco landmarks. Beautifully restored and meticulously maintained, it offers something increasingly rare: a cinema experience that feels every bit as memorable as the film itself. From the moment you step into its grand foyer, you’re transported to another era, one where going to the movies was an event, not simply another item on the weekend to-do list.
Inside, heritage architecture sits comfortably alongside modern comforts. Plush seating, generous screens and thoughtfully curated programming create an experience that feels intimate without sacrificing scale. Whether it’s an independent release, an international film festival favourite or the latest blockbuster, every screening carries a sense of occasion.
The Rivoli has long been woven into the fabric of Melbourne’s east, drawing generations of locals through its doors. First dates, family traditions, Friday night rituals and spontaneous midweek escapes have all played out beneath its soaring ceilings, making it as much a community landmark as a cultural one.
Image Credits
Buff Studios, Mongkok Tea house, East End wine bar, Rivoli Cinema, Young’s Wine rooms
