Eat, drink, explore: Spending Saturday in Ascot Vale

Ascot Vale is one of Melbourne’s most exciting suburbs. It’s just six kilometres from the city centre, which gives it a buzzing atmosphere and thriving cafe culture. Despite its central location, it’s dotted with parks, including expansive walking and biking tracks along the Maribyrnong river.

Keen to check it out? Here’s how we’d spend a Saturday eating, drinking and exploring in Ascot Vale.

9:00am – Grab the brekkie burger at No19 

No19 is hugely popular with the locals for its amazing interior and delicious menu. For brunch go for the Nutella Pancake sandwich with peanut butter parfait, or the breakfast burger with bacon, haloumi and chipotle aioli. Wash it all down with a perfectly brewed cup of Five Senses coffee.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by n o. 1 9 (@no.19society) on Aug 19, 2018 at 8:04pm PDT

10:30am – Shop the bustling Union Road

Once you’re fuelled up, stroll down Union Road, Ascot Vale’s main shopping strip. We recommend checking out the following places:

• Two Byrds, an eclectic little shop that sells Australian designed products and women’s fashion.
• One Tiny Jungle for all your indoor plants, this little nursery might just be the best in Melbourne
• Union Wine Store to stock up on boutique wines for later
• Mister Nice Guy’s BakeShop for delicious vegan baked goods

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ONE TINY JUNGLE ? (@onetinyjungle) on Aug 25, 2018 at 11:23pm PDT

1:00pm – Sample Ascot Fried Chicken and injectable donuts at the Ascot food store

This cafe is a local legend thanks to their Ascot Fried Chicken and waffles and dreamy injectable donuts. If you’ve worked up an appetite on Union Road drop in and grab a bite to eat before heading off – try the salted caramel milkshake with butter and maple if you’ve got time to linger.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by A.320 Ascot Vale Rd. / MP (@ascotfoodstore) on Jun 22, 2018 at 4:02pm PDT

3:00pm – Work off the calories along the Maribyrnong River

Ascot Vale is dotted with green spaces and parks including:

• Fairbairn Park,
• Thornbury Park, and
• Walter Reserve.

These areas are perfect for relaxing, exercising and dog walking but nothing beats a stroll along the Maribyrnong River. It’s close to Union Road, and dogs are allowed off their leashes, making it the perfect place to work off a healthy portion of fried chicken.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by City of Moonee Valley (@cityofmooneevalley) on Mar 13, 2018 at 9:40pm PDT

5:30pm – See what’s on at Melbourne Showgrounds

Next to Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Showgrounds is home to the unforgettable Royal Melbourne Show each spring, but it also hosts a range of shows, events, and festivals throughout the year!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Royal Melbourne Show (@royalmelbshow) on Aug 21, 2018 at 11:00pm PDT

7:30pm – Dinner at Scoozi

After a big day, you’ll need something comforting and familiar to finish the evening. Head back to Union Road into the warm and welcoming Scoozi – a hidden gem known for their delicious authentic Sicilian cuisine.

They air freight their mozzarella and tomato sauce directly from Italy, and make excellent small bites, pasta and pizza. Our favourite is the classic margherita but we recommend you try as much as possible.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Scoozi Pizzeria (@scooziascotvale) on Sep 2, 2018 at 8:55pm PDT

Want to learn more about Ascot Vale? Contact the team at Nelson Alexander today.