How to enjoy summer in Elsternwick Village

The Rifle Club

The weather may not have gotten the memo just quite yet, but summer has officially arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited. Bring on the days of brunch with friends, refreshing your wardrobe with gorgeous new finds, trying that new hobby, and evenings spent over drinks.

If you want to make the most of this summer, read on and find out how Elsternwick Village is the perfect place to create all those dreamy summer memories.

Enjoy movies under the night sky at Classic Cinemas

Whether it’s date night, a family excursion, or a hangout with friends, you couldn’t find a better place than Classic Cinemas. They have a killer lineup of classics and new films, so you’re sure to find many options you’ll love.

Unwind with a drink in hand from their rooftop bar and get swept up in the story. If you book the right time, you can even catch the sunset over the ocean. Talk about the perfect summer night!

The Rifle Club

The Rifle Club - under new ownership - is the perfect place for a balmy dine-out.

Normal brunch or bottomless brunch?

Everyone can agree that brunch is the most important meal of the day. The only question is whether to get a traditional brunch or go for a bottomless adventure.

Now, if you’re leaning towards the tried-and-true type of brunch — the one involving avo toast and lattes, check out Dawn Eatery or Damn Good.

Damn Good is known for its great coffee, scrumptious Pistachio Chocolate Croissant and exceptional, creative brunch dishes.

If you want something a little different, try the Korean and Japanese-inspired food at Dawn Eatery. Their Sakura Matcha Latte, Coconut Hojicha Cloud, and Galbi Sando are among their most popular items.

If you’re venturing out for a bottomless brunch experience, wander over to The Rifle Club and their $69 boozy brunch. Nibble on char siu pork buns, salmon ceviche, Thai BBQ chicken, and other treats while sipping mimosas and spritzes.

Waxy Apples

Waxy Apples Vintage offers youthful, trendy and sustainable fashion.

Jazz up that summer wardrobe

There’s no better feeling than refreshing your summer outfits with new pieces for all your social occasions. Make a day of it and stroll down Elsternwick Village to discover your soon-to-be favourite pieces.

Eclectic fashion meets inclusivity and sustainability at Waxy Apples Vintage, a store with a big collection and an even bigger heart. All of their pieces are either vintage or handmade by local artists — so if you’re on the hunt for something vintage that supports the community, Waxy Apples is where you go.

In that same vein, Society of Merchants boasts a curated, diverse range of products, many made by local artisans and craftspeople. The quality is high, but the prices are very affordable — any piece from here will get you endless compliments.

No outfit is complete without the perfect pair of shoes. For quality, comfort, and style, check out Step Ahead Shoes. They are a fifth-generation business built on decades of passion, craftsmanship, and expertise.

Another great choice is Soul 2 Shoes, a small, family-run business that stocks comfortable shoes from quality brands such as Birkenstock, Naot, ECCO, and more.

Go out for evening drinks

Drinks at brunchtime not your thing? Not to worry – there are plenty of bars serving evening drinks.

For delicious Italian food alongside your drinks, go to Copycat Bar & Restaurant.

If you’re after a cosy, rustic vibe with delicious cocktails, head to Antique Bar. The antiques, candlelight and chaise lounges provide the perfect ambience for a romantic date night.

After more of a cheese and wine night? Visit Leena’s bar for a wide range of classic and interesting wines, and a delicious Australian cheese board.

Go to open deck nights at Waxy Apples

From December 6, Waxy Apples Vintage hosts an open-deck night every Thursday for aspiring DJs to try out their sets with a welcoming, supportive community. These nights will continue through the summer until February. Even if you’re not a DJ, come down to hear some fresh, exciting music.

Greenlab Collective

Greenlab Collective offers terrariums that will instantly jazz up your home.

Make your house feel brand new

You wouldn’t believe the way a few plants and new decor can make your house feel fresh and exciting again. Also, with all the summer events you’re sure to host, you want your home to look its best.

Green Envy has a wide selection of indoor plants, including low-light, pet-friendly, low-maintenance, uncommon, and feature plants. They even offer a styling service so you can sit back and relax while the professionals handle everything.

Greenlab Collective specialises in hand-crafted terrariums, indoor plants, bonsai, crystals and stylish homewares, all curated to elevate your space.

Discover a treasure trove of fabulous bed linen and homewares, created by its team of in-house designers at Linen House. There are so many beautiful pieces to choose from, you’re sure to leave with something that will transform your home.

Dalgarno’s philosophy is to provide quality homewares at exceptionally reasonable prices. They are a 4th-generation independent retailer, so when you shop here, you are supporting a local business.

Grab your necessary daily sweet treat

We all know the importance of a sweet treat for happiness, as they say: a sweet treat a day keeps the sadness away. Or something like that.

Here are our favourite places to check out.

Acai Affair is a premium self-serve acai and frozen yoghurt bar where you can customise your treat as you please. There are so many flavours and toppings to choose from!

The Luna Blu Gelato team is sure to cool you down with their in-house churned gelato and dairy-free sorbetto. Indulge in mouthwatering flavours such as chocolate malt caramel, pistachio, rocky road, and more.

If you’re looking for a guilt-free sweet treat, Kaichi is the perfect place. Their smoothies are packed with goodness, including plant protein, creatine, sea moss and collagen.

Give back to the community

Elsternwick Village is known for its vibrant community. Give back by volunteering at an Op shop. You have your choice between the many vibrant thrift stores in Elsternwick Village, including Posh Opp Shoppe, Salvos Stores and Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop.

Anytime fitness

Strength and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) are scientifically proven to help get you in shape. Anytime Fitness (above) offers affordable membership options to help achieve your summer goals.

Lock into your fitness routine

Working out when it’s freezing cold feels like an impossible task. But now, with the weather warmer and the days longer, you have no more excuses. There are so many wonderful places in Elsternwick Village to start your fitness journey.

At BFT, you will be guided in scientifically proven training techniques aimed at reducing fat and creating lean muscle in a variety of 50-minute training sessions by their exercise physiologists, exercise scientists, and their team. The community is also incredibly supportive and inclusive.

Joy In Movement believes that a lifestyle of fun fitness can be found in the everyday. This is a place where you come as you are, and leave feeling energised, stronger and more connected.

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