An eclectic thoroughfare in Melbourne’s inner west has shocked its own community after being crowned the world’s coolest street.
High Street in Northcote, less than 10km from the CBD, took top spot in Time Out’s annual list, beating New York’s Fifth Avenue.
It was the only Australian street to reach 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’.
Hollywood Road in Hong Kong took second place, while East Eleventh in Austin, Texas, Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires and Commercial Drive in Vancouver rounded out the top five.
As the main thoroughfare through the town centers of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston, High Street caught the editors’ attention with its vibrant atmosphere and ‘unique local businesses to suit all tastes’.
High Street (pictured) in the inner Melbourne suburb of Northcote has been named the world’s coolest by Time Out
Melburnians and visitors flock to the busy strip for its vibrant cafe scene and nightlife
The bustling strip is home to dozens of cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs, a boutique cinema, a theatre, luxury and vintage clothing stores and parks.
High Street also scored points for its easy access to the CBD via public transport.
“From day to night, visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks, such as authentic Portuguese cakes at Casa Nata, local natural wine at Northside Wines, or lasagna at 1800 Lasagna,” says the guide.
‘High Street is renowned for its many live music venues and is home to legendary venues such as Northcote Social Club and the Croxton Band Room, as well as smaller venues such as High Note and Shotkickers.
“It’s a strip where vintage shops and cool cafes sit comfortably, next to a food truck park and an indie boutique. We don’t like to be cliché 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 small space is only accessible through the Umberto Espresso Bar), it’s the place for a sunset spritz with a beautiful view of the suburbs.’
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.
Melbourne’s vibrant inner-city strip was one of two Australian streets to make the top 30
Andrew Mansfield, managing director of Northcote Theater and chairman of the local business association, has worked in the High Street for 20 years.
He was surprised but also excited to hear that the street is being defended worldwide.
“It’s cool without being pretentious,” Mansfield told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The street has always lacked a business feel, with an incredibly large number of retailers and an eclectic mix of things for everyone.’
‘There’s food, live music, great pubs, friendly people and parks, all surrounded by culture.’
Mr Mansfield was unfazed that the new award would attract an influx of more visitors to the already busy thoroughfare
“We were built for it; there are plenty of shops and loads of bars and pubs to bring people here,” he said.
Foster Street in Sydney’s inner city Surry Hills also made the top 30, just weeks after US pop star Taylor Swift visited the food strip with her entourage to enjoy an Italian meal during Pellegrino 2000.
High Street in Northcote is known for its eclectic mix of cafes, bars, shops and live music venues. Pictured are crowds of people at the recent Northcote Rise Festival