Gifting the luxuries of being incredibly close to the city, yet providing ample space to find natural outdoor rejuvenation, Kew provides inner city Melbourne living in its most premium form. Speckled with fine eateries on Cotham Road and High Street, and even more on offer in Hawthorn’s plentiful Glenferrie Road precinct, the area caters to all tastes through an impressively represented diversity of cuisines. The blue-chip suburb offers all this while being impeccably connected, with an unsurpassed roll call of schools, the Eastern Freeway not too far from the residences, alongside trams to take you to the city and beyond.
Kew’s trusted butcher is Cannings, which is not only impassioned by selling high-quality meats, but ethically sourced seafood, too. The offerings extend further, and come in the forms of different heat and serve meals, stocks, wine and a collection of sauces to accompany whatever is on the menu for that given evening.
A food emporium with everything under one roof, Leo’s on Princess Street provides a convenient place to pick up not only staples such as fresh fruit and different breads, but specialty ingredients, including imported cheeses that are rather hard to turn the eye away from.
A petite gelato store drawing aficionados far and wide, Piccolina very quickly made a name for itself in Melbourne’s gelato scene. Owner Sandra Foti has dedicated over 15 years to perfecting gelato, which is heavily inspired by her father’s recipe.
You’ll find many of Kew’s women wearing something they’ve purchased up from Oscar & Wild – a haven of clothing and accessories from Australian designers, and those from around the world. The boutique houses brands such as BCBG Max Azria, Rebecca Vallance, Cable Melbourne, Rachel Zoe and more – the list struggles to cease.
At the epicentre of Glenferrie Road’s dining scene is Cru, open from morning to night and catering to an audience who visit for a vast range of occasions. During the daytime it’s a bustling cafe, but by the time night dawns, it turns into an ambient wine bar, where a series of cocktails, craft beers and some 350 wines come out to play.
Melbourne, meet the Hamptons. Now & Then is a white and blue cafe right in the heart of High Street, Kew, where American food fuses with the genre of Melbourne-style brunch the city has finely established. Sit inside in bright and lively surrounds, or outside to feel the energy of the Kew community.
First established in 1882, Methodist Ladies’ College is an open entry, non-selective girls school which aims to shape women of the future. This goal is pursued through a balance of academic focus and extra curricular activities, all conducted in a supportive learning environment.
For over 200 years, Xavier College has educated young men on Kew grounds. Curriculum is taught in some of the state’s most impressive facilities, while other classes are taught in stunning heritage buildings that still stand strong.
A primary school where the community is key, Kew Primary School provides a broad spectrum of educational opportunities through academic and specialist programs within the visual arts, sport, community service, French and music.
Accessibility is becoming increasingly important when it comes to city living. Travel options from Cotham Road aplenty, including the No. 109 tram which takes patrons to the CBD and Port Melbourne. Luckily for future Tate residents, there is a stop for this route a mere 150m away from the homes.
An inner city farm playground, for kids big and small, Collingwood Children’s Farm gives visitors the opportunity to get well acquainted with horses, donkeys, goats and guinea pigs alike. Rejuvenate at The Farm cafe after a day full of animal-filled adventure.
This golf course and driving range caters to golfers of all levels, from the young ones aspiring to be embark on a PGA tour one day, to long-time golfers looking for a little inner city rejuvenation and to perfect their swings.