A laneway lover’s guide to Guildford Lane

A rare pocket of Melbourne’s industrial heritage, Guildford Lane is now a secluded green oasis of 21st century pleasures. This hidden gem has it all for cycling enthusiasts, brunch dates, streetwear collectors and more.

Why Guildford Lane is so iconic

A green oasis from the bustle of Melbourne Central Station, Guildford Lane runs east-west between Queen Street and Sutherland Street. Warehouses and factories, mostly red brick and a few storeys high, were built here during the late 19th and early 20th century. It’s now a rare example of the CBD’s industrial heritage, including remnant vintage signage.

How Guildford Lane became a plant-lined wonderland

In 2017, this hard industrial pocket was given a glorious makeover through the Green Your Laneway pilot program. Endless plants have since taken over windowsills, shopfronts and laneway walls ever since. There’s also Mike Makatron’s towering mural of an overgrown factory painted on an old substation door. It's a nod to Melbourne's green future and the lane's industrial heritage.

Everything you need to do, see and eat in Guildford Lane

Feast on baked treats at Brick Lane

Part bakery, part cafe and 100% brunch date wonderland. The Brick Lane menu changes with the seasons, so you can expect a rotating roster of new ideas month-to-month. All the delicious treats are prepared right on site. Rest assured that wholemeal waffle with candied quinoa and salted caramel mascarpone is as fresh as it gets.

Go ride a bike with Rapha

Established in London in 2004, Rapha is a celebration of road cycling, from sporting legends to everyday peddlers. Melbourne’s Rapha Australia clubhouse is one of about 20 permanent locations around the world. A wave of wheels and lycra in Guildford Lane probably means one of the clubhouse’s organised rides is heading out or returning.

Have hidden brunch at Krimper

Named after renowned furniture-maker Schulim Krimper, this cafe is as much a destination for design devotees as foodies. In the past the Krimper space was home to a sawmill, then a cabinetmaking factory, so you know the converted warehouse vibe is on point. Think exposed brick, wooden beams, polished concrete and vintage industrial-style lighting. Menu faves include rustic burgers, fat chips, almond French toast and more.

And over in Sutherland Street...

Yum Sing House

Karaoke, Cantonese food and 1960s kitsch. Yum Sing House has all the good stuff in spades. Order prawn toast and chicken wontons or Cape Grim rib eye and fried barramundi with sticky tamarind dressing. Can't decide? Vegetarian set menus and 'feed me' offerings are in high supply. Try the mango sago dessert, knock back a matcha sour and head upstairs to belt out a tune under neon lights.

Shortstop Doughnuts

Laneway staple Shortstop Coffee and Donuts is the perfect quick hit. Their doughnuts come in cake, raised and cruller varieties. Order a classic vanilla bean, passionfruit brulee or Earl Grey and rose doughnut. You can also pre-order to avoid disappointment – no one wants to miss out on a honey and sea salt cruller, right?

Supply Store

The entrance to Supply is totally low-key, but step inside and you'll find an immaculate streetwear mecca. Striking glass sculptures, a blinding neon artwork and unique wall prints set the mood. Cult-status brands on offer include Salomon, BAPE and Comme des Garçons, plus usual suspects Nike, Carhartt, Stussy and the like.

Barkada Pinoy

For a foodie feast, stop by Barkada Pinoy. The menu is stacked with barbecued delights, from smoky skewers to burger steaks and cult-status inasal (flame-grilled chicken). Save room for halo-halo, a classic Filipino shaved ice dessert stacked with sweet beans and fresh fruit. Or bring your bestie and scoop into a delicious silky tofu and sago pudding.

Paksoi

Pull up a chair or order to-go at tiny Thai food joint Paksoi. Try the filling snack pack with sticky rice and juicy pork. Or go all out at the choose-your-own skewer station. For something sweeter, you can't go wrong with crispy pancake rolls and Thai milk tea. Open until 12:30am, it's the perfect cure for late-night cravings.