We often don’t pay much attention to what’s above eye height.
The sun washed walls of a pretty row of terraced shops on Lygon St, caught my eye and revealed that one shop had a former life as the Victorian Meat Market.
I couldn’t find out much more, but the terrace kindly also showed it was built in 1877.
There is a nice documentary by Shannon Swan and Angelo Pricolo on the Italian migrants who developed Lygon St; Si Parlo Italiano – I’ve yet to see the film, but it could fill in some gaps.
A short intro to the film is on – http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/lygon-st–si-parla-italiano-20130802-2r477.html –
Just nearby is now a French Delicatessen La Parisienne Pates.
With its shuttered upper floor and large Charcuterie sign, it makes a good match – as a bohemian Moulin Rouge-esque neighbour – to the former meat market.
There are plenty of reviews of this lovely shop – even reluctant Kiwis Kenny and Benny’s Consider the Sauce blog had to admit is was good –
(Kiwis not being very partial to the French and aspects of their foreign policy etc.) The shop pics are from their post.
It’s a good spot if you like to enjoy your coffee with a feel of being in France – surrounded by delicious things.
Chas Spain 