Score Second-Hand Fashionable Treasures at the Love Me Again Market

Bargain hunters with a thing for second-hand treasures, here’s where you should rummage about next. Score some unique and fashionable pieces at the Love Me Again Market in Paddington, which will relaunch its market year on Sunday, the 16th of February 2020.

Open from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Love Me Again Market is the best venue for fashion lovers to score branded and unique outfits at the fraction of its retail price. Featuring hundreds of stalls with mostly pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories, this is the ultimate haven for fashionistas. 

The Love Me Again Market is also ideal for earning some cash. Anyone with heaps of used clothes to unload can sell their stuff by becoming a stallholder

Photo Credit: Love Me Again Market/Facebook


Meanwhile, on-site baristas will be brewing coffee to keep shoppers invigorated as they browse over 100 stalls. This market also has a good selection of flowers to bring home or gift to your moms and friends. 

The Love Me Again Market takes place at the Paddington Hall on Moreton Street. As of press time, three more market days have been confirmed after February: 

15th of March 19th of April 17th of May

Shoppers, log those dates on your calendar if you’re planning to check out what’s for sale. Sellers, book a stall in advance to secure your spot.  For enquiries, email info@lovemeagainmarket.com.au. 



Biome in Paddington Makes Green Living So Easy

One of the biggest challenges to green living is the lack of quality but affordable eco-friendly products in the market. Biome Eco Store in Paddington, however, conveniently fills this gap as it offers heaps of the home and self-care products for everyday use to sustain a lifestyle that makes a big difference. 

Every item sold at Biome is carefully researched and developed to adhere to high standards. The products are made using safe ingredients that deliver zero harm to animals and workers.  

The company is also mindful of truth in labelling and proper waste management. Thus, Biome is proud that it’s the first retailer to be recognised as a Certified B Corporation in Australia. 




“Biome is different because we delve into the whole story of a product, the people behind it, and its impacts, so that you can make a choice to match your values,” said Tracey Bailey, the Founder of Biome. “Not only are we free from toxins, but we go further to consider aspects like human rights, waste, and supporting local.”  

Photo Credit: Biome Eco Store/Facebook

The store has a well-stocked inventory for everything under the sun — reusables, plastic-free storage solutions, natural body and beauty care items, eco-conscious fashion and outdoor goods, as well as organic food and children’s provisions. These items may also be conveniently bought at its online site. 

Even better, Biome has pre-packed gift ideas for every occasion and every family member, including the furry ones. Greenies can easily pick up an item to give to friends, which might also encourage them to start going green.



Biome Eco Store has four outlets in Brisbane — CBD, Paddington, Balmoral and Indooroopilly — and a warehouse in Milton. Outside Brisbane, greenies may find the eco store in Southport, Gold Coast and Burwood East, Melbourne. 

Kettle and Tin in Paddington Brings Back $1 Dollar Dumplings Deal

It’s time to scrape together some loose change as Kettle and Tin in Paddington is bringing back its Dollar Dumplings deal every Friday. You can, once again, have all the yummy dumplings you can eat for $1 per piece at this familiar Given Terrace foodie spot beginning the 10th of January 2020, and every Friday thereafter, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Needless to say, you’d be mad not to take advantage of this deal to satisfy your dumpling cravings and wind down your busy week. To get this deal, however, you will need to purchase a drink with your orders but this isn’t a deal-breaker since Kettle and Tin has a long list of cocktails, craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from. 



Kettle and Tin has pan-friend pork & chive or vegetable variants for its Dollar Dumplings Friday feast. No bookings necessary to get this special deal but if you must secure seats, you can book at its website or phone (07) 3369 3778.

Photo Credit: Kettle and Tin/Facebook

Kettle and Tin has been one of the go-to dining places for Paddington locals since it opened in 2012. The cafe serves classic Australian brekky, lunch and dinner sprinkled with Asian flavours.

On Thursday nights, the restaurant also hosts Trivia Games, which will also be kicking off this year on the 9th of Jan.

Its regular opening hours are: 

Monday, Tuesday and Sunday
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday to Saturday 
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.


Here’s When to See the Annual Christmas Lights at Paddington’s Government House

For a lot of families, cruising the neighbourhood at night to admire some dazzling Christmas lights is a cherished holiday tradition. If you’re looking for the best display in Paddington, then plan a trip to the Government House this December. 

From the 13th to 20th of Dec 2019, the Government House will be open to the public for its annual Christmas lights spectacle. The heritage-listed mansion will be lit from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For the first time in this long-held tradition, visitors may come inside to view the gorgeous Christmas tree in the Drawing Room. Expectedly, Gavel the Vice-Regal dog will be greeting the visitors but the verdict is still out on whether the pup is in a Christmas costume or his usual police uniform. 

Photo Credit: Governor of Queensland/Facebook

Also another first — the garden lights on display will be three times bigger for 2019. Sections that haven’t been illuminated before will be lit up with colourful lights. 

2016 Christmas Lights Display

2017 Christmas Lights Display

2018 Christmas Lights Display



This is a free event that families or groups must take advantage of. This joyous season is a time to make treasured memories, especially with impressionable kids. 

The Government House was built in 1865 as the official residence for the Governor of Queensland, who is also the representative of the monarchy of Australia. Over the years, this mansion hosted parties and celebrations during the party season of December, especially when members of the royal family are in the country.

Photo Credit: Old Government House Brisbane/Facebook


Visitors will be asked to take the pedestrian access gate at 168 Fernberg Road as there will be no on-site parking available.  

In lieu of paying fees, visitors may make gold coin donations to the QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund.

See How Paddington Ranks on Liveable Suburbs List

The inaugural Domain Liveable Brisbane study, ranking the 260 Greater Brisbane suburbs, has been revealed. So, how did Paddington fare?

Paddington is the 4th most liveable Brisbane suburb, according to the Domain Liveable Brisbane study. Paddington leads the pack in terms of topographic variation — its hills allow for great city views. Just 2 km west of Brisbane CBD, Paddington also scored high for access to employment and walkability.

The Domain Liveable Cities study is authored by Deloitte Access Economics and Tract Consultants which, based on several indicators, measures liveability in suburbs across Melbourne, Sydney, and for the first time this year, Brisbane. 

A total of 16 indicators were used in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which include: density of cultural services, retail, cafes and restaurants, access to trains and buses, ferry, employment, crime,  tree cover, primary and secondary education, mobile and internet access, open space, tree cover, topographic variation, coast and beach proximity, walkability and congestion.

Access to ferries was also used as an additional indicator in Sydney and Brisbane and access to trams was measured in Melbourne. Also, for Brisbane and Sydney, airport noise was also considered, and for Sydney alone, harbour and ocean views.

Surprising it may seem, but what the study revealed is that higher-density suburbs are more likely to be liveable, due mainly to the older suburbs undergoing transformation may likely experience increased traffic congestion. The findings underscore the suburbs ability to provide amenities for its residents to make it more liveable.

The top 10 Greater Brisbane suburbs for liveability according to the Domain Liveable Brisbane 2019 study:   

  1. Alderley
  2. Wilston
  3. Ascot
  4. Paddington
  5. Newmarket
  6. Red Hill
  7. Kelvin Grove
  8. Windsor
  9. Albion
  10. Grange
  11. Auchenflower
  12. Sandgate
  13. Taringa
  14. Deagon
  15. Mitchelton
  16. Toowong
  17. Petrie Terrace
  18. Nundah
  19. South Brisbane
  20. Spring Hill


Highly Anticipated Paddington Christmas Festival Returns This December

The Paddington Christmas Festival is back this December! The highly anticipated annual event, where local traders come together to spread the merriest vibe and boost community spirit, is taking place on Friday, the 6th of Dec 2019 from Given Terrace all the way to Latrobe Terrace. 

Similar to last year, Paddington Christmas Festival will be packed with activities, live entertainment, music and other amusements for children and adults. Stores along the shopping precinct will be carrying out heaps of gimmicks, including an assortment of festive food and unique products for sale. 

Check out what’s in store at this year’s Paddington holiday event so you can carefully plan your family’s itinerary: 

TIMEWHATWHERE
4:00 p.m.Face PaintingCr Peter Matic’s Office, Space Property & The Shop on the Corner
Dumplings Kathmandu Newa Chhe’n
Doggy Christmas Market (dog gifts)Atticus Finch
Donut Stall Sassafrass of Paddington
Flukey Ukulele BandArtisans Jewellers
Christmas Paintbox with CommunifyLittle Bird Books
Crazy HairEd Hair Hope
Kids CornerMovement Principle Pilates
Small Goods Tasting (Christmas ham)Conroy’s Butcher
Chilli Contest & Live PortraitsCafe 107
The Gift of Health (shoulder rubs)Head Above
Snow ConesThe Work Well
Santa LetterboxFordesphysio
Sausage Sizzle & Petting ZooBrisWest Centre
Jewellery MakingThousand Island Dressing
Kate Knapp Book SigningFlowers of the World
Kids BeautyBeauty on Latrobe
Mistletoe Photobooth Travel Masterpiece
Santa ClausHummingbird
Mr Curly AKA Linsey Pollak (musical performance)Trammies Corner
Stilt Walkers (entertainment) Various locations
Blue Roo Theatre (entertainment)Various locations
4:30 p.m.Lil J’s Vintage Markets (pre-loved clothing saleMerlo
Aperitivo (food and drink) Il Posto
5:00 p.m.Dumplings King Tea
Beer & Wine Tasting Hai Hai
Blues (live music)Remy’s
Alcohol TastingSpiros
Express Styling Sessions Sol Hair
Danibelle’s MusicadiumPaddington Central Pharmacy
Choir & CocktailsNaim
6:00 p.m.Danibelle’s MusicadiumMiColor
7:00 p.m.Balkanics (live music)BrisWest Centre


Photo Credit: Paddington Christmas Festival/Facebook

To make it more fun for the kids, they can secure an interactive passport to fill with stickers and stamps that will be handed out from each of the locations. 

This event will also coincide with the lighting of trees along Paddington’s shopping precinct to signal that the holiday is indeed full swing.

Shop for gifts, feast on treats, have fun with your group and simply enjoy a great night out amidst the flurry of light displays and the joyful sound of carollers. There’s always something for everyone at the Paddington shopping precinct but this Christmas festival is such a special time — you won’t want to miss it! 



The Black Lab Coffee Co Opens New Blackout Paddington Home

The owners of The Black Lab Coffee Co have opened its newest home in Paddington. Blackout coffee shop, located at 173 Latrobe Terrace, is a tiny spot but there’s nothing minuscule about its quality and presence.

Blackout’s understated space is actually the perfect corner for The Black Lab Coffee Co owner Sam Holman to open up a grab-and-go coffee shop that doubles as a training centre for baristas. Initially planned as a storage space for its wholesale products, the Paddington site has been expanded into more ways than one.

The shop is a coffee bar, where customers can order coffee on the go or stay seated outside for a few minutes to enjoy your drink. Blackout brews espresso, cold-drips, or black or white coffee using single-origin beans, which has been roasted fresh at the back.

Photo Credit: Blackout Paddington/Facebook
Photo Credit: Blackout Paddington/Facebook


Customers may also order sandwiches, muffins, cookies and croissants to go with their coffee whilst they enjoy a quiet breakfast with their dog. The store even offers a substantial selection of cereals. 

As originally planned, the Paddington location is used as storage space for products, tools and machines. As a retail store, baristas may shop at Blackout for their needed supplies and tools to hone their skills. They can also enlist in the advanced courses and learn to use different commercial machines. 

Blackout officially opened in Paddington on the 12th of Oct 2019. Its trading hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily. 



“Super friendly staff who are always welcoming. The coffee is as good as it gets – whether you’re into a traditional espresso-based coffee, or you want to try a pour over or a pre-made drip coffee, they have you sorted. The venue is just adorable, it’s a terrace style shop with a great view to the hills of Paddington and beyond out the back. Ask them about their coffee training too!” 

~ Jesse Branch, Facebook

“I notice this new Cafe while driving through Paddington today. Warmly greeted by the friendly Barista, I ask for a regular 1 shot Cafe Latte. Beautifully poured, the coffee is fragrant and full flavoured. A very good coffee!” 

~ Joe K, Zomato 

Lights Of Paddington Fashion Spectacular Sparkles for the 4th Year in Given Terrace

Given Terrace will once again be lit for the annual fashion spectacular Lights Of Paddington this Saturday, the 26th of Oct 2019. Four years since this event debuted in one of Brisbane’s most charming shopping precincts, the party supporting retailers and rewarding shoppers will deliver another fantastic vibe to this favourite local hive.

The fashion parade featuring the collections of Paddington retailers trading in this shopping strip will strictly start at 7:30 p.m. at The Paddo (Paddington Tavern). Get to know the emerging stars and the VIPs of the local fashion scene whilst checking out the exclusive, trendiest styles and looks for this summer. 

These brands will be hitting the runway for Lights Of Paddington:

RED WORKS

SACHA DRAKE

BIOME ECO STORES

MAIOCCHI

OLIVE HOME

DOGSTAR

MISS HENRY

LIVING SILK

PETROL

JEWELS NY


BRISTLE BY MELISSA SIMMONDS

RED CROSS

BLAKE & TAYLOR

BROWN’S GENERAL STORE

WILDE WILLOW

FALLON

HUMMINGBIRD THE SHOP


Accessories:

THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

BENTLEY DE LISLE


Photo Credit: Red Works/Facebook
Photo Credit: Red Works/Facebook

However, you need to be at the red carpet at least an hour before the runway show to experience a few sparks and fire. Hob-knob with the rest of the guests and enjoy sipping wine, a bubbly or an Aperol Spritz with delicious canapés and finger foods. 

As a token of appreciation for attending this event, the boutique and restaurant owners in Given Terrace are giving all attendees a $50 gift voucher with your ticket purchase, which you can redeem at any participating stores before 31 Oct 2019.

So, chat with your girls, then set your date and buy the ticket to this big fashion event!



5 Fab Op Shop to Score Great Finds in Paddington

Planning to shop at a thrift store but don’t know where to go? Well, prepare to get hooked! The bargain shopping scene in Paddington offers heaps of great finds and pre-loved branded stuff at really affordable prices. 

Here’s a guide to the best op shops in Paddington, where buying second-hand could mean snagging treasured finds.  

1. St. Vincent de Paul Society

Address: 16 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

Vinnies has the largest reach among the op shops in Australia with over 60,000 members and volunteers across the country. Donations received regularly keep the thrift store well-stocked and managed with a variety of choices from corporate work clothes, formal wear, men’s wear, furniture, household items, vintage pieces, watches and accessories, and other affordable goods. 

The store also holds special book sales, school holiday sales and themed selections depending on the season. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps


2. Empire Revival

(formerly The Paddington Antique Centre)
Address: 167 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

For collectible items and unique finds at low prices, Empire Revival is the place to check out. Aside from vintage clothes, they have special items like medals, swords, trains and thimbles — basically, stuff that are hard-to-find but may be of great use for decoration or as a stage prop. This store also offers antique furniture, arts and crafts, art deco or shabby chic items.

Goods for selling or consignment, however, aren’t directly handed over at the counter as this op shop has a strict process for selection and valuation of items. This is why their collections are extraordinary compared to other stores. This shop trades from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.

Photo Credit: Empire Revival/Facebool

3. Yesterdays Thrift Shop

Address: 39 Nash Street, Paddington

Operated by The Developing Foundation for people with disabilities, this store sells and accepts pre-loved clothes, toys, sports equipment, books, household goods and homewares. Being inside this store feels like a treasure hunt amidst the maze of racks on display across different rooms. 

Yesterdays Thrift Shop opens for seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also, the store regularly welcomes volunteers above 18 years old to help keep everything in order.

Photo Credit: Yesterdays Thrift Shops/Facebook


4. Retro Metro Paddington

Address: 297 Given Terrace, Paddington

There’s definitely something for everyone at Retro Metro if you’re looking for basic streetwear or totally outrageous and eye-grabbing fashion. This store has amazing vintage and retro pieces that might tend to be pricier because it’s a really special find. 

Retro Metro is run by people passionate about authentic vintage so you’re assured of getting your money’s worth. Store hours are daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Photo Credit: Retro Metro Paddington/Facebook

5. The Red Queen Design

Address: 27 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

You’ll spend hours rummaging through this store’s eclectic collection. The Red Queen Design has heaps of reasonably priced cool furniture and colourful knick-knacks — from posters and postcards, kitchen items, books, fabric, China, mirrors, barware, bridal needs, bags, jewellery and accessories, and fashionable clothes. Most of these items are hand-selected per piece and carefully curated. 

This store is open six days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s closed on Tuesdays.

Photo Credit: The Red Queen Design/Facebook

Op shopping will always be a winning deal. You save money but get high-quality items. You support the thrift store’s causes and advocacies by patronising the shop and you also keep stuff off landfills by buying second-hand. 

Paddington: Among the Most in-Demand Suburbs in Brisbane

A recent property report indicates a surge in Brisbane property listing views coming from Indian-born and NSW investors, as Paddington emerged as one of the most in-demand suburbs.

The Australian Property Market July 2019 Report by realestate.com.au revealed that  Brisbane leads the national property market recovery even as its median price for all dwelling fell by 0.9 percent in the past 12 months. Brisbane, however, managed to rise by 0.1 percent quarter-on-quarter, making it the first capital city to see price growth in the June quarter.

The ten most in-demand suburbs for houses in Brisbane are Toowong, Windsor, Paddington, Greenslopes, New Farm, Wilston, Holland Park, Ashgrove, Camp Hill, and Newmarket.

The latest data from realestate.com.au shows the median house price in Paddington at $1,050,000, based on house sales from 1 July 2018 – 29 July 2019. In terms of demand, visits per property is also high with 1,010, as compared to the state average of 374.

Compared to Brisbane, over the same quarter, Sydney and Melbourne dwelling prices fell by 0.4 per cent and to date, the median prices already fell by 7.2 per cent and 5.8 per cent, respectively.

Experts believe that the recovering mining sector and infrastructure spending coupled with continued interstate migration, notably from NSW, contributed to Brisbane’s property market recovery.

The price growth, however, came from mostly from the apartment market which rose 0.7 percent quarter-on-quarter for a median price of $387,000 whilst house prices dropped a little bit by 0.1 percent to $530,000.



Another noteworthy factor is the rising offshore buyers interest particularly with the number of property seekers from India, doubling over the past 12 months. Experts say that like in Sydney and Melbourne, Indian buyers may also start having a big influence on property sales in Brisbane. 

Looking at the dwelling market performance across Brisbane metro area, only the North region recorded a slight drop over the quarter with -.01 percent with median price of $535,000 and views per listing of 1,102. The West region ranks first with 1.3 percent price growth over the quarter for a median price of $642,000  with views per listing of 1,346. South, East, and Inner City follow with quarter-on-quarter percent change of 0.6, 0.5, and 0.4, respectively.