Serves two of my favourite things in awesome amounts of excess. Platters of fried chicken (the best one is coated in chilli sauce) accompanied with barrels of house beer.

Melbourne is one of the coffee capitals of the world so the standard is very high. There are heaps of good cafes around, but sitting on top of the pile is at Brother Baba Budan. Specialists in single origin coffee from quality international coffee beans. When ever I’m in the city, this is where I get my caffeine fix. Usually it’s a smooth silky Caffe latte that goes down way too easily. The quirky ceiling made from chairs is worth a look too.

Free lectures held in a cosy bars around Melbourne's inner north. This wonderful organisation runs weekly courses on a range of topics, purely for the pursuit of knowledge. The perfect antidote for a post-grad like myself who often misses lectures and class discussions. Uni with a glass of red wine - yes please.

Mr Kitly is a shop and gallery specialising in ceramics, books, plants and textiles. Much of the stock is from Japan, and everything makes you want to weep because it's so charming and pretty. The hanging plants are amazingly affordable too.

Located in the central district of Melbourne, Curtain house is home to some of Melbourne's cool bars and boutique store's. Including Cookie, Rooftop Cinema & Bar, Metropolis book store. Collectors Corner and Perks and Mini's Flagship store, Someday.