Cherry Tree Hotel

Cremorne (and nearby Richmond) Guide
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Cremorne (and nearby Richmond) Guide

Click on the map to access all of the places listed below in this guide

I live in the little pocket of Cremorne, which is bordered by Richmond, Burnley and South Yarra (plus Melbourne Park). Cremorne is best known for its growing population of office workers, incredible level of construction and development, and the Nylex Clock.

Less known is the fact that one side of Swan Street, and one side of Church Street is in Cremorne, and it has the same postcode as Richmond and Burnley. This means as well as some great finds internal to the suburb, there’s a lot to be found on the boundary.

While I love to walk lengthy distances, I really am most familiar with this north-west part of greater 3121. So I’ll start nearby and branch out with my favourite restaurants, bars, pubs, and don’t forget there’s a few things to see and do nearby too!

Inner Cremorne

Cherry Tree Hotel

The Cherry Tree is not just at the heart of Cremorne, it is the heart of Cremorne. There is a uniqueness to this pub, which showed extra love during the pandemic, but has always been the perfect local. There’s some good specials during the week, solid offerings of the pub classics, a diverse range of beers on tap that rivals the best pubs in Melbourne, a pool table, pinball, NBA Jam, and a terrific outdoor area on Balmain Street. Trivia Tuesday is a neighbourhood fave as well.

@cherrytreehotel

Lilac Wine Bar

I’ve recently written about Lilac, which has an outstanding offering of wine friendly and interesting dishes, the signature chicken mousse eclair, woodfired sourdough that is worth the trip itself, and a wine list that balances on price and has a mix of crowd pleasers and those that please winos like me (aka wine snobs!) It must be going well, because Thursday lunch has just begun too.

@lilacwinebar

Frederic

As if on a walking tour, the last stop on Stephenson Street is Frederic. It’s a little bit fancy, but also works in weekday specials to be an option for locals regularly, and the happy hour is terrific value (based on today’s now accepted prices!) I’ve never had an average meal here. The modern French style is a feature of Reymond family venues, and it is far better than solid, with smacks of flavour, and a bar that has most of what anyone could ask for.

I finally got around to writing about Frederic in detail and you can access my review here.

@frederic_cremorne

Tarts Anon

How lucky do we continue to feel in calling Tarts Anon a fellow Cremunian? It is the most exceptional tart focussed (only tarts!) place I’ve come across. The coffee is normally excellent too, especially when made by Carolena. I think it was Xavier who once told me to put the savoury tart in the microwave for 20 seconds (not long enough to impact the custard top layer) and I have had one a week for lunch ever since. The dessert tarts are most popular though, and with my diverse tastes the monthly menu refresh is perfect, though gladly some of the signatures feature most months of the year.

@tarts_anon

Niccolo

One of Cremorne’s newest cafes, is currently my favourite for coffee close by. Since opening recently, Niccolo has gladly kept a regular roster of staff, and a few of the baristas are excellent in their craft, making the best of the equally excellent quality beans. The team both in the front, and in the warehouse, are great for a chat too. If you’re in New York, go and have a look at another place where Niccolo’s beans are utilised at sister cafe, Ground Support, in Soho.

@niccolocoffee

Coe & Coe

The panini here is great for lunch, and I normally go with the standard, which has prosciutto, mozzarella, and pesto. The coffee is a good standard too, and the street art is fantastic, changing every now and then, with a basketball ring to shoot some hoops.

@coeandcoeau

La Manna & Son

While we’d love if LMS was as extensive on the grocery aspect as South Yarra, the paninis, coffee and other offerings are a high standard, with lots of comfortable space to sit in and enjoy. This cafe is intensely busy at lunch, but wait times are kept to a minimum with a huge staff, and the Saturday opening now is helpful for locals.

@lamanna_and_sons_cremorne

Cremorne Boundary

Top Paddock

As we reach the boundary of Cremorne, the best cafe in the area is easily Top Paddock, which continues to be exciting all round. The single origin coffee options are terrific (often expertly made by Hariko), and the signature offerings, and seasonal dishes from the kitchen always have restaurant quality presentation, and loads of flavour. Summer time use of the park opposite is a feature we’d love to see back again.

@toppaddock

Pillar of Salt

This was the place where we received the most comfort during the pandemic, and I wrote some reflections at the time. While most of the staff have changed since, with a variety of reasons, the new staff are still top quality, and the kitchen continues to pump out great cafe fare (especially if the Pies have won for Tim over the weekend, which lately seems constant including the Flag!) Caroline, Tony and the other baristas do a terrific job, and the consistency of my long blacks is something that cannot be dismissed.

@pillarofsaltcafe

Axil

In pretty much direct competition with Pillar (especially for us for a number of reasons, including both being on Syd’s childcare route), I must say that the coffee is a very high standard at Axil, and I tend to buy my beans here. Catherine drops by on her way to work and has gotten to know the staff, who have been present for several years, suggesting a good place to work. It is rarer that we eat here, but that is not a reflection of the menu, which has been great on those rare occasions.

@axilcoffeeroasters

Hugo’s

Going towards the northern border of Cremorne, but in this case, on the southern border of Richmond, Hugo’s is this part of town’s answer to the hugely successful Hector’s Deli, closer to the Vic Gardens corner. Hugo’s executes each of their offerings with as much flavour and quality as you can pack into a toastie or sanga. I’m a big fan of the breakfast muffin.

@hugos_deli

Dimitri’s Feast

While I still will always miss the old days of the breakfast, Dimitri’s endeavour into the night has been equally delicious. Known as Jimmy to the locals, the owner has the Midas touch when it comes to delivering what his customers yearn for. The shared plates here are flavoursome, and have a modern panache. The celebrations here after the 2017 breakthrough premiership for Richmond go down in folklore.

Instragram location

Cheeky Monkey

When I’m on Swan Street, which is very regularly, this is the place to stop for a quick coffee, or take away. The chefs are always dishing up good quality, but relatively standard cafe fare, with the 6am opening time perfect for early trips when you need a bacon and egg roll to start proceedings. I’d label this the most versatile cafe offering in this part of 3121.

@cheekymonkeyrichmond

Tartine

Across the side street from Cheeky Monkey, Tartine is one of the newer kids on the block, and is part of the latest rennaissance in Swan Street. The French style of pizza / sandwich comes with an indulgent variety of ingredients, and often it is hard to go past the crab. The price point is reasonable enough to allow multiple visits too, depending on how deeply you indulge in the wines.

@tartine_bistro

Noir

It’s been part of the neighbourhood for ages, and has always delivered on fine food in a more formal but relaxed setting. Here you can happily impress on a date, special occasion, or post races celebration. I remember well the struggles of a place like Noir during the pandemic, and I’m so glad and relieved it survived.

@noirrichmond

Untitled

Across the road, but far newer in its existence, is Untitled. We first came here for a post ceremony; pre reception champagne, and the menu drew us to try it properly for dinner. The blonde tones make Untitled look a little more casually inviting, and I’m sure with the quality offerings that it will continue to grow in popularity.

@untitled_richmond

Hochi Mama

There are regular occasions where I have a hankering for the modern Vietnamese of Hochi Mama. Here it is possible to have a couple of simple dishes for lunch, like the superb spring rolls and rice paper rolls. Equally you can indulge in a lot more, and it is all great. I find Hochi is good to often walk-in without a booking, can suit a group, and always has some atmosphere.

@hochi_mama

Eazy Peazy

Across the road, Eazy Peazy first attracted me with a fabulous yakitori out the front during the pandemic. There are some excellent lunch offers here, and it suits a group well. As the prices get a bit more serious at dinner, the quality shines through, attracting a regular clientele, and creating a busy atmospheric vibe.

@eazypeazymelb

Close to Cremorne

Waygood

Unsure of why the name was changed from Saint Urban, Waygood has (besides the name change) been a staple on the block east of the Swan and Church intersection, for over a decade. The bistro vibe is followed through with dishes that can form a long dinner, or quick (but luxurious) lunch, with a wine or two as standard.

@waygood.richmond

Future Future

I must admit there are a range of idiosyncracies to Future Future that don’t suit my organised nature, but once you get to know the fact you can only get ramen at lunch, and that the restaurant seems closed a lot, you simply get used to very high quality modern Japanese that is as versitile as it is delicous. The lunch deal is attractive, and at dinner you can relax over several courses and really dig in. There are so many good dishes that I cannot seem to try everything I want each time I go.

@future.future

Clover Wine Bar

While my personal jury is out on Clover, I know enough people who have had an excellent experience that I want to include it here, and monitor with future visits. Lately the attractiveness of Lilac has meant we haven’t been back since a rainly Sunday in the third week where by coincidence more wines had been taken off the by the glass list than were on it, but the food had some pizzaz, and the intriguing uniqueness of the wine offerings should have enthusiasts learning some new tricks.

@clover.wine

Union House

There have been several phases in the evolution of Union House, and I’ve enjoyed them all. I’m pleased that it has now settled into a pub with good differentiated quality pub dishes, and is a comfortable place to go whether on street level, in the dining room upstairs, or the terrace.

@unionhouserichmond

Baby Pizza

Everything that Lucas Group does is good, or even better, and Baby Pizza has become a staple for us. It is one of those venues that we go to so often the excitement has worn off, but it continues to attract us for lunch, dinner, takeaway, and a drink in the sunny front courtyard.

@babypizzeria

Some Cremorne / Richmond Favourites

Bakers

Oh Swan Street Patisserie, we will never forget you! Luckily we still have Cremorne Street Bakers just around the corner, and the selection never fails to deliver, whether for a savoury dinner, a cheeky brownie, gingerbread for Christmas, and cupcakes galore. Swan Street Patisserie has been replaced by Co.Bake Space, which does some incredibly popular pop-ups, and cakes made to order.

Our favourite though must be Penny For Pound. Having now moved from the quaint, out the back, of recently closed Mayday, PFP’s quality is outstanding from croissants to sausage rolls to doughnuts to gourmet singular dessert offerings.

@cremornestreetbakers @pennyforpound @cobakespace

Ice Cream / Gelato

For long time reasons I hold Messina in great esteem, and I just love the story of this gelato shop from Darlinghurst. Equally delicious (especially for honeycomb) is Piccolina. The best idea is to decide for yourself by trying 3 flavours at each on a nice afternoon, or by getting a takeaway tub!

@gelatomessina @piccolinaglateria

Provisions

For fish and other seafood (including takeaway fish and chips, or dining in the restaurant) you can’t go past Richmond Oysters which we visit at least once a week. Around the corner is a fabulous butcher (that also has some great lunch options) in Bertie’s, where we also visit regularly, including Thursday’s when they generally get some quality lamb coming in. There is nothing but quality here.

For the best booze, Blackhearts & Sparrows is the place for a great range of wine, and craft beers, with some terrific service.

@richmondoysters @bertiesbutcher @blackheartswine

Shopping

Some of our go-to gift shops have shut over the years, but Avenue Bookstore is great for gifts, cards, and they’ll order you any book they don’t already have in their extensive collection. Ben’s $2 Plus is an icon of the area, and incredibly handy for all sorts of reasons.

@avenuebookstore

Entertainment

From my first concert in Melbourne twenty years ago, to the modern day, the Corner Hotel continues to deliver a tremendous array of bands. There’s also a atmospheric rooftop to enjoy before and after a show.

Obviously, Melbourne Park is a short walk away so for pre-game / show venues, there is no shortage of places to eat and drink. All of the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, and AAMI Park, are a short walk, and even Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The other local attractions include the Botanic Gardens, Tan running track, and the park alongside the Yarra River.

@cornerhotel

Transport

There are several good options to get to Cremorne. My favourite is to walk along the Yarra from the city, or via the MCG. The train line handily has several through Richmond station, and a few of those stop at East Richmond too. Tram wise you can take the 70 along Flinders Street, which goes all the way past Melbourne Park, and then Swan Street. Of course, taxis, Ubers, and driving, are fine options too.

Questions and comments!

One of the reasons I write is because I love the hospitality industry, and love talking about it. If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, I’d really appreciate if you added them here, or in one of my instagram posts @blksfoodblog

I have never accepted a free meal, or any other gratuity, so my views are always completely my own, and free of any conflict of interest. I mainly write about higher end experiences lately, and if a review helps you, please share it with your friends, and follow my blog if you like.

benleekong.com bleekong.com wordpress.bleekong.com

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Lilac Wine – Cremorne – Numerous Occasions – Dinner and Lunch

Are you one of those people, like me, who has the propensity to elevate experiences that are close by? I like to think that with the knowledge of this attribute I can rebalance my thoughts on restaurants and cafes, even when they are literally down the road. Sometimes the plaudits are justified, and supported through the weight of evidence. Sometimes the need for decent locals gets in the way, and that is a time where I decide to be sensible, and refrain from advancing a draft review.

I’m constantly considering what makes one place special, and the next dreary, even when the elements seem similar. One aspect that is naturally intangible is charm. For a local, charm is normally a call to friendliness, and consistency. There is not a restaurant, cafe, or bar, that will entirely profit from its locals, but there are very few that do not need a baseline local following to survive. Marketing is important, but experience is everything else.

After a soft opening, the official opening night at Lilac Wine was a night full of locals, with an unofficial suburban red carpet coming in at adult time. With our three year old in tow, we were nearing the end of the family time, which was incredibly busy in itself. A couple of weeks later I returned for lunch on the bar. A few weeks after that it was time for a friend, Lisa’s, leaving dinner, where we had a very adult evening. Not long after that it was an old work friends dinner on a school night.

Even at the same restaurant, no two experiences are completely the same, but the versatility of this new wine bar, sister to Hazel and Dessous, and from restaurant owning royalty, seems to be gathering an incredible amount of steam. During my last visit it was full on a Wednesday night heading into the Easter weekend. The five of us, all previously work colleagues, enjoyed handing over control to the kitchen, with the $75 chef’s menu. The reason we chose this option, which is not normally one of my preferences? There is basically no dish I tried on the previous three visits that I didn’t like.

From the vegetables with whipped eggplant, to the incredibly addictive woodfired sourdough, to the treatment of lamb (whether rump or belly), and the sweet stuff, the entire menu is balanced, considerate, and big on flavour in some dishes, subtle and elegant in others, but all relatively stripped back as good wine driven food should be. The wines by the glass are numerous, and start at entry level prices ($13 for some glasses is a positive feature, though obviously there is better drinking in the high teens and twenties by the glass). The other night the roussane granache blanc was superb drinking, and a real find. The marsanne has been a feature since day one and at the entry level price still has substance to it, with the Chablis on the other end of the spectrum a celebration in a glass.

The menu follows what is now the classic modern sharing concept of snacks, mid-sized dishes, and then a few larger plates to round it out, with sides almost unmissable, and dessert a great option for those inclined. Depending on the agenda, there are several options to sustain any appetite. I’ve been here for bread and charcuterie (don’t miss the wagyu braesola if available); for a light meal with Catherine trying a few snacks, a larger dish and sides to share; to try half the menu in a small group; and to work through the chef’s menu. On a future occasion I hope to just enjoy a glass of wine and the duck fat potatoes, plus perhaps the black garlic coated chicken mousse eclair, which is a tremendous, albeit expensive, bite or two.

There are some challenging dishes that you should not shy away from. Beef heart comes finely sliced, with a strong but poised taste, balanced with white sauce. Zucchini and walnut bolognaise is not sitting atop pasta, but delights a playful response, the intrigue giving way to the enticing flavours of the dish. Dessert wise the rum baba is likely picking up a following, though I still dream of the day the Hazel honey tart finds its way to Lilac. The port flan is a crowd pleaser too.

From the first visit to the last, I’ve noticed similar, well trained staff, who are excited about the restaurant, the neighbourhood, and the wines. Service is not perfectly restaurant attentive, and is more relaxed and charming, like an Italian enoteca. On any occasion you’ll get a few different staff to the table, working hard, and attending to multiple tables and requests. At the same time it is not difficult to attract attention, and I’ve found the enthusiasm and knowledge of the floor outweighs some of the inconsistency.

Right now there is a substantial enough cool vibe happening here that I’m not one hundred percent comfortable to just rock up, outside of the quieter lunch time period. The helpful aspect is that there is no tyranny of distance for me, and getting here early to secure a table, or a drink or two, is not an issue. The long rectangular bar is both a feature and a convenience for walk-ins, and on decent days the outdoor area is cute, appealing for another reason, which is the fact that the restaurant is decidedly smoky from the fire based cooking methods. Waiting for a table shouldn’t be a great issue, with the Cherry Tree about three hundred metres down the road, to potentially open proceedings, or provide a post-dining cleansing ale.

Inside the theme is very much derived from Hazel, from the kitsch crockery, to the antique display furniture, to the stripped back setting that is both comfortable, and unintimidating, especially if the whole white linen and finery is not your thing. In fact, almost as an ode to the ethos, the graffiti present on the front of the Cremorne next-to-the-tracks warehouse has never been removed (and may have built up since opening).

At first I thought perhaps we were lucky to have a nice wine bar properly in our suburb, and not just on the edge of Richmond. In subsequent visits I’ve started to recommend others plan a visit, and now I’m chuffed to say this place could well become a suburban icon. Lilac Wine has a way to go, but it already has had a fantastic couple of months, and the buzz appears to be growing.

Lilac Wine
31 Stephenson Street Cremorne
https://lilacwinebar.com.au/
hello@lilacwinebar.com.au
Dinner Wed-Sun
Lunch Fri-Sun

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Cherry Tree Hotel – Cremorne – Wednesday 19 October 2016 – Dinner

Scotch fillet with rosemary potatoes, vegetables, and beef jus

Scotch fillet with rosemary potatoes, vegetables, and beef jus

Normally when I dine out it is in the knowledge that my meal is much more likely to be good than average. I learned many years ago that wandering around, and just walking in on a feeling, only works for people who are really easy to please. I’m not a person who goes to dinner looking to critique, but I also know what is purely sustenance versus something that has real flavour.

I’ll admit that there is good personal reason why I haven’t eaten at the Cherry Tree Hotel until now. I have lived close by for several months, and I’ve enjoyed many beers here outside in the sun, or inside near the fire. The reason is that, for no reason, I’m worried my first meal will be average and I won’t want to go back again!

To keep my views in check (because I was always going to be as positive as I could be), I have brought my mate we affectionately call “Chef”, because he is the harshest (often unreasonably) critic I know. Chef has been a chef for over three decades and his experience is extensive. Sometimes in areas you would not expect given his English heritage; like Chinatown and dumplings, cheap steak nights, and simple bacon and eggs.

Well tonight is the Cherry Tree Hotel’s steak night. Potentially an absolute steal at $15 for a scotch fillet with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables (or chips and salad), and a pepper or butter sauce. It’s quite busy following the earlier after work drinks rush (there’s a huge buzz on Friday nights especially) which is a good sign.

The other good sign is the presentation on the plate, with a certain brightness and shine to the potatoes and vegetables, which taste as good as they look. But we are here for the steak, both having chosen medium-rare. Medium-rare is the steak lover’s go-to when ordering at a non-steak restaurant for the first time. It is the same as making sure you shallow dive in a new pool, even if you are sure you’re at the deep end.

Hallelujah! The steak is medium-rare, and the scotch fillet is a good cut, with reasonably consistent tenderness. I’m pleased and already thinking about the numerous occasions I’ll be able to catch up with friends around the corner for a good quality $15 steak. Having let the dust settle the next day I texted Chef for his rating out of five and his four didn’t surprise me for a normal person, but for Chef to give a four means this is far more than just your average cheap pub steak.

The Cherry Tree Hotel is an awesome place to have a drink and I’m a proud local. With a steak night like this, Wednesday cooking at home could be put on a bit of a back-burner given the number of great sunny evenings coming up over summer. The craft beers, and great kick-back atmosphere, only adds to the equation.

Cherry Tree Hotel Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato