Choice is an incredible service that I now can't live without. Terrific value too. I subscribe to access all the information in the website, as well as receive the monthyl magazines. The only issue I find is the types of products reviewed are very much geared to the 2.3 kids and a mortgage market - whitegoods, kids' bikes, etc. But they are constantly increasing their breadth and that may improve with time. I would suggest if you are planning a major purchase to check the website - and dont hesitate to subscribe to get access to the review they have done if its there.

Approximate cost: $30

A terrific foodie pub in an area with hundreds of the things! It has a front bar full of music at various times (dead quiet at others), and then you keep going up and up and it opens into a whole range of different spaces; a restaurant, then a mezzanine spot then a small but gorgeous outdoor terrace bit where we very much enjoyed an afternoon with friends recently. Great spot for a drink with a group of say 6-8. We didnt get to sample the food but hope to soon.

Approximate cost: $n/a

The original Kensington coffee haunt, Fruits of Passion has been here for many years. The coffee is brilliant, without fail. Delicious cooked breakfasts that just happen to be pretty healthy are the highlight here - I love Passion Eggs: Two poached free-range eggs on crunchy toast with spinach, avocado and a light vinaigrette sauce/dressing. The original owner, the famous MaryAnne was a fitness nut (the menu in her day was even emblazoned with exclamatiosn like "We only serve fat free milk FOR HEALTH's SAKE!"). The not-so-new-anymore owners have toned down the preaching but kept much of the excellent the menu. A recent renovation has cleaned up the small space and made it less cluttered and much mroe enjoyable to sit inside. Though outside on a good day is the place to be.

Approximate cost: $15

This is absolutely a hidden gem of Melbourne! There are a few tables out on the footpath, and then you enter into a store selling vinyl and other interesting music, but keep going past the bar and kitchen and it opens into the cutest, most comfortable outdoor area you can imagine. We only discovered this after more than a year living around the corner and have since enjoyed several nights of sipping lovely glasses of wine and sampling their interesting and affordable nibbles menu. Irresistible if you are local, and worth a detour if you are in the area. (Check the opening days and times which vary by the season.)

Approximate cost: $n/a

I have had my hair cut here regularly in recent years and at various times before that for quite a number of years. They are extremely professional, open good hours and the salon is comfortable and pleasant, even when very busy. The hairdressers however are hit an dmiss. I have found two brilliants ones here and tried to stick with them, but when I couldn't get in anmd tried someone else on several ocassions have scored a real dud. (Once burnt my hair when dying, another cut it without any concept that it was curly when dry, and lectured me on not using expensive products.) That said, Mary is just brilliant as are several other hairdressers here.

Approximate cost: $60 - 150