BEST STORE
Pappa Sven (3)
33 Union Street
Go for: the Marimekko linens as well
as other Scandi brands like Normann
Copenhagen, Sägen Sweden and
Björn Borg. When she’s not at home
you’ll find Libby here... probably
because she runs the place.
BEST GREASY SPOON
Oriental Hotel
53 Bull Street
Go for: “The Ori” is renowned for
its pizza – try the Pigs Benedict or
the Rosemary Spud and wash it all
down with one of the tap beers.
Head down every second Saturday
night for free stand-up comedy as
well as live music on Fridays.
1 Serious coffee drinkers
get their caffeine fix from
Welsh Blacks.
2 Parking spaces are
in short supply, but
thankfully everything is
within walking distance.
3 Libby’s store Pappa
Sven offers a little taste
of Scandinavia in the
heart of Newcastle.BEST PLACE FOR A TIPPLE
The Commonwealth Hotel
Corner of Union and Bull Streets
Go for: whatever whets your whistle.
This place has been around since 1882
and while it comes with all the poker
nights and meat raffles you would
expect of a country pub, it also boasts
fare like Roasted Cauliflower Risotto
topped with Persian Fetta or the
scrummy Lobster Cheesecake.BEST COFFEE
Welsh Blacks (1)
84 Bull Street
Go for: the best coffee in town. Using
Coffee Alchemy beans, owner Tristan
definitely knows his stuff. He can even
put together a chilled carbonated coffee
to cool you down.BEST RESTAURANT
Coal River & Co
120 Darby Street
Go for: casual Italian in almost
minimalist Swedish surrounds. This is
the ideal place to stop for lunch and
dinner and people watch on Darby
Street – try the Spaghetti with Crab,
Chilli and Zucchini Flower or Potato
Gnocchi with Grilled Eggplant and
Zucchini Chips.BEST SPECIALTY SHOP
Pork Ewe Deli on Darby
157 Darby Street
Go for: all the cheese and cold cuts
your heart desires. These charcuterie
masters also hold cooking classes and
can whip you up a platter, hamper or
wedding cheese tower.“It’s a great mix of people, from the older generation who have watched
the suburb change significantly, to the cool hipsters moving in”
real livingLOVING