There used to be the world’s worst local shop on Thomson Street Northcote. A milk bar that never had anything you needed, was dreadfully dark and dreary with bars on the windows, and to top it off NEVER open.

When it closed (finally, completely) I was so hoping that something good would replace it.

And it did. Some locals turned it into a cafe, Thomson Street Foodstore.

I have to say that MY MOST FAVOURITE MUFFIN EVER came from here … It was vanilla and lemon curd. Sooooo good. I still think about it.

I love this sort of cafe. Catering to the neighbourhood, with shared tables and some outdoor seats bringing life back to suburban streets. There is always someone in there. And it feels like home.

And yes, there’s some second hand stuff. Check out the ceramic ware on the shelves! How 1980s. And the big table is recycled. And my coffee came on a great yellow floral saucer – that’s enough to cheer anyone up!

This time when I visited had avocado toast. With feta and seeds and a lemon wedge. Yum.