Collingwood & Abbotsford

Around Australia Collingwood is mostly known for its football team, but come visit and you'll discover a vibrant suburb with humble working-class roots. Surprisingly this suburb which has always been a little rough around the edges is now one of the most fashionable and desirable suburbs – at least north of the Yarra. The old industrial warehouses are being converted into modern, fashionable workplaces, or make way for new apartments. Creative businesses are migrating towards Collingwood and more and more bars, restaurants and cafes seem to open up every day – the suburb is exploding in popularity. Smith St is Collingwood's hub. Though technically one side of the street belongs to Fitzroy, it won't matter one bit to a local, as Smith St has always been considered to be Collingwood as a whole, so some liberties have been made in the selection of businesses to feature here. Walking around Smith St, you'll see an effortless mix of the 'haves' and 'have-nots', all occupying the same space. At lunch time, you are quite literally spoiled for choice, with selections ranging from burgers, pizza, Mexican and many Asian cuisines up for grabs – all easy on your wallet. The cafes in this suburb are some of the best in Melbourne – let alone Australia – all making a trip to Collingwood a must.

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Plug 7 Records

Address
313A Smith Street
Website
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Plug 7 Records is a pretty new addition to the Smith St stretch. If you're into your vinyl, it's a place of wonder. I walked into Plug 7 straight after buying my first turntable not knowing a thing. I asked them to recommend 'something good' – a more generic and unspecific request has never been made. To my utter surprise, they delivered. After a few quick questions, I was ushered to the African section and given a 'small' selection of around 10 records to sample. I settled on their initial recommendation 'Blo'. I loved it! I am now a Plug 7 convert, and every time I go back the music gets better. African funk, Japanese Jazz, rarities, electronic and rock – there's something for everyone, and it's all great. Plug 7 also hosts regular events with live music and even Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) so pop by!

Plug 7 Records
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Plug 7 Records
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Plug 7 Records
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Plug 7 Records
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Plug 7 Records
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Plug 7 Records
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Plug 7 Records
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Blackhearts & Sparrows

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