Gemini

When it came to naming their wine bar-cafe-pantry, Tresna Lee and Shane Farrell took inspiration from their shared Gemini status. It’s a canny nod to the multi-faceted personality that has made this Sydney Road spot an instant classic, from delivering morning coffee to late-night cocktails and servicing all ports in between. 

A brilliant reno the couple did themselves of a dilapidated old shopfront has kept its period charm and overlaid it with a smart but not too try-hard layer of modern schmick (look no further than the rust-coloured felt light fittings over the bar that look super-cool while also helping squelch the noise). Inside the rugged red-brick walls there are caramel leather banquettes for groups and tiny two-tops for intimate tête-à-tête-ing. It feels good, and delivers that triangulation of good drinks, snacks and warmth that makes you want to adopt it as your own.