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.
Aunty Peg's has quickly become our caffeine dealer of choice. It's an amazing cafe/shop (for all you home baristas and coffee aficionados) that's part of Proud Mary's roastery. Don't bother asking for a coffee with milk (the don't have any), here is where you can delight in getting to know your coffee (lovingly prepared) and its origins. Proud Mary as a company has always focused on the source and history of the coffees they stock and the regions they hail from – something exemplified at Aunty Peg's. Oh, they also have cold brew coffee on tap, served like beer – FTW.
