Summer on Gertrude Street

Summer at Marion. It’s a gentle shift, something we notice in the hem lengths, fabric weights and short sleeves that start to appear on the street. Our outdoor tables become hot property and the conversational hum a little louder and more lively, subconsciously aware of the possibilities and ease of a warm night. There’s an excitement; the first of these hot nights don’t appear in the calendar, they just seem to happen. Maybe it began with a long lunch with friends or an impromptu afternoon vermouth, either way, there’s something in the air. Why fight it?

We love the niche we’ve carved out at the top end of Gertrude. Our windows keep us privy to the passers-by and catwalk-like nature of the strip, eccentric locals, wonderful outfits, post pilates glows, our regulars and visitors alike. The street rarely takes a break and always makes us smile, something the carrot man – a man that carries a four-foot-tall carrot around the neighbourhood hoping to put smiles on people’s faces – always manages to do.

Gertrude is a two-trip strip; you’ll need to turn around and return via the other side to really make the most of it. Conveniently the sun tracks the street, neatly moving east to west into golden hour, giving us beautifully lit moments where the shadows seem to stretch all the way to Smith Street. With the sun in our eyes, you can just make out the silhouettes of the Carlton Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building and approaching friends.

Sneakers and boots have been replaced with open toes and sandals, but the first attempts at summer wardrobes aren’t without their drawbacks, precautionary cardigans are brought along just in case – Melbourne does Melbourne, what can we say? We could never replace it or want it to change, and we love how we fit into our little part of the street and how summer lifts everything. This is our home, and we love having you over.