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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.

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.

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.

Spring Comes Early at the Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market

Have you been waiting for the next Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market at The BrisWest Centre? It might excite you to know that it’s almost time to dust off your cupboard, clear your closet, and do some spring cleaning.

If you’re planning to declutter, recycle and make money all at the same time, then round up your stuff and head to the The BrisWest Centre at LaTrobe Terrace on Saturday, the 24th of Aug 2019 for the Excess Baggage Spring Market.

Once there, grab a table and set up the things you want to unload at this community event. Table rates go from $20 to $50 and you can choose from the following set up:

1800mm table inside the hall	$43.29
900 mm table inside the hall	$22.19 (soldout)
1800 mm table outside with shade	$53.84
1800 mm table outside without shade	$43.29

Rates are inclusive of booking fees. Take note that The BrisWest Centre won’t collect any percentage from your profits.

This is a very fun, laidback and informal market but if you have heaps of things to sell, you’ll be allowed to bring one rack. You can also bring your own gazebo if you’ve booked an outside table without shade.

Set up is at 7:00 a.m. while the parking area for unloading your stuff will be open to sellers until 8:30 a.m. The BrisWest Centre will strictly implement a 3:00 p.m. pack up and clean up time.

If you’re coming to the Spring Market just to shop and score second-hand treasures or mingle with the community, you can also order food from the centre’s cafe or order a plate of yummy sausage sizzle. A live band will be playing music to entertain shoppers.

Since 2014, The BrisWestCentre’s Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market has been a regular activity in this precinct. The initiative is organized and managed by the Brisbane West Senior Citizens Association.

DIY Workshops For Kids at Biome Eco Store

If you’ve got some curious 8 to 11-year-old children or even teenagers at home who want to try something new while school’s out for the winter break, then sign them up for these short DIY workshops at Biome Eco Store on Latrobe Terrace.

	CLASS 1	CLASS 2
School Holiday Workshop: Skin Care for 8 to 11 years old	Thursday, 4 July 2019 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.	Thursday, 9 July 2019 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Kids at this workshop will be taught how to make their own moisturising lip balm, lip scrub and clay face mask, as well as how to use these beauty products.

*Photo Credit: Biome Collective/Facebook*

	CLASS 1	CLASS 2
Teen Apothecary: Skin Care	Thursday, 4 July 2019 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.	Thursday, 9 July 2019 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Teenagers can learn what plant alchemy is about as they try to make their own floral toner, roll-on perfume and clay mask.

Slots are limited for these classes so you have to book early online and pay the $35 fee for class confirm your reservation.

Aside from holding regular DIY workshops, Biome Eco Store offers a range of chemical-free, ethically-produced, and properly labeled beauty products. Founded by Tracey Bailey, this store has five branches in Brisbane, including the Paddington address.

Going Meatless With No Regrets at Yavanna in Paddington

A common complaint about eating plant-based food is the lack of flavour. However, if you’ve ever tried the vegan options at Yavanna in Paddington, then it’s likely that you won’t regret going meatless. You might even keep coming back for more of their tasty (and healthy!) dishes.

Yavanna, located at Latrobe Terrace, will excite you about going vegan or maintaining your plant-based diet. Not only are the choices extensive but the meatless dishes are actually filling, delicious, and creatively concocted.

You would see that the owners of this restaurant are truly passionate about eating healthy just by quickly browsing its menu. Although they offer “cheeseburgers” “chicken satay” or katsu and “hoisin duck soba,” don’t mistake these dishes for the real thing, as Yavanna uses high-quality plant-based ingredients for their food and drinks.

Established in 2018, Yavanna is managed by a group of people committed to changing the world with their vegan lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

The atmosphere at this restaurant is also pleasant and friendly. With a bar to boot, Yavanna is also an ideal place for socialising and fraternising with other people.

Yavanna’s kitchen hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday to Friday. It opens earlier on Saturday or Sunday at 8:00 a.m.

“Best food ever. Best & friendliest staff ever. I’m not saying that just because it’s a vegan place…they really are incredible. If I could go there every day I would totally do it.”
~ Kate McCann, Facebook

“Absolutely amazing food experience. Perfect spot for vegan foodies, but also just for everyone to enjoy. Good service! Definitely order the spicy Cauli Wings, they are the best. Would recommend 10/10.”
~ Eva Everloo, Google Reviews

“I love coming here for dinner or picking up a take away. Poutine is the standout but other favourites include the fried Brussel sprouts, nachos, chicken schnitzel and a chocolate milkshake.”
~ Achep, Happy Cow

4 Paddington Pet-Friendly Restaurants to Take Your Four-Legged Pals on a Date!

The love and loyalty pets shower their owners are second to none and the company of a pet can be the most content feeling, even if you’re just snuggling on the couch together. To reciprocate, why not treat your four-legged pals on a date? Here are 4 pet-friendly restaurants to check out in Paddington.

Atticus Finch Cafe

83 Latrobe Terrace
Open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A cushy neighbourhood bar, Atticus Finch serves simple but tasty meals for both humans and pets. Serving breakfast and brunch, this establishment serves delicious Coffee Supreme selections. It’s also the site of many animal rescue events.

*Photo Credit: Atticus Finch Cafe/Facebook*

“I had a beautiful coffee here. The staff were friendly. The shop is quite busy with both humans and dog friends. Overall, Atticus Finch was a great experience.”
~ Aaron Needer, Google Reviews

The Java Lounge

161 Latrobe Terrace
Open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This cafe’s menu is quite extensive for breakfast and lunch. The Java Lounge has burgers, bagels, quesadillas, couscous, Spanish chorizo, fritters, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Their drink list also includes a variety of coffees, teas, juices, kombuchas, frappes, smoothies and milkshakes. No doggie meals though but you can hang around with your pet at this cafe for as long as you want.

*Photo Credit: The Java Lounge/Facebook*

“Java is amazing. We go there religiously. The staff are all amazing, the food is delicious, & the coffee is the best around. They are kid & dog-friendly, & the service is fast & friendly. We just can’t go anywhere else. Love you guys!!!!! Another amazing time this morning. Thank you!”
~ Katrina Douglas, Google Reviews

Remy’s

106 Latrobe Terrace
Open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Remy’s can get quite crowded because there are plenty of activities happening here all the time like Taco Tuesday’s, Jazz nights and Monday half-price burgers. This diner serves big meals and drinks with friends but it is set up as a courtyard so it’s perfect for your furry companion.

“Remy’s is a funky local hangout great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. But, if I had to pick a time to go, I would say afternoon/dinner is the best time as the burgers and fries are great every time and there is usually live music at that time. Remys is also a dog friendly cafe which is a massive tick in my book.”
~ Carla Birdy, Google Reviews

Sassasfras of Paddington

88 Latrobe Terrace
Open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This cafe has an airy backyard garden for your pets and a selection of doggie ice creams, puppuccinos and handmade dog treats. Sassasfras serves all-day breakfast, coffees and cakes to indulge without guilt. The restaurant is also big on sustainability.

*Photo Credit: Sassasfras of Paddington/Facebook*

“Best little spot. Excellent menu. My order was three times the size I’d expect from a cafe. So great value for money. Dog friendly. Cool back court yard. Comfy spot I look forward to visiting again.”
~ Emma Burns, Google Reviews

Tour the Fernberg Government House in Paddington for Free

The Government House, located at 170 Fernberg Road in Paddington, opens its doors at least twice a year to the general public.

On Saturday, the 1st of June, the heritage-listed site, which is also known as the Fernberg, will be hosting another Open Day and guided tour from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visitors to the Government House will have the opportunity to see parts of the property up close for free. Guests will also be allowed to take videos or photos (no flash) of the premises for their keepsakes.

Vendors will be present on the grounds to sell food and drinks during the Open Day. However, guests are also encouraged to bring their own snacks if they want to have a picnic in the gardens. The Australian Army Band Brisbane will be there to provide the music and entertainment.

Since 1910, the governors of Queensland have made the Fernberg their temporary residence. Leaders and royalties of other counties have dined and held meetings at this mansion with Australian officials.

The family of His Excellency, the Honourable Paul de Jersey, has been living at the Government House since 2014. And while visitors might not be able to personally see the governor this Saturday, Gavel, the Vice-Regal Dog, will be there to welcome the public. He’ll also be roaming the grounds all day to greet or play with the guests.

*Photo Credit: Governor of Queensland/Facebook*

This Open Day will be quite special as Queensland is observing its 160th anniversary of independence from New South Wales.

Visitors are expected to enter at the gates at either 168 Fernberg Road or by the Norman Buchan Park in Baroona Road.

Paddington Fashion Influencer Launches High Street Runaway App for Clothes Rentals

Fashion designer, blogger and influencer Renee Lee of Paddington has a booming clothing rental business on 186 Latrobe Terrace and she recently launched a new High Street Runaway app to take her ideas to the next level.

Young women with formal gowns and hardly-worn dresses taking up space in their closet might want to get on board Ms Lee’s innovation. She has come up with a way for women to rent or sell their outfits using mobile devices via the High Street Runaway app.

Launched in early 2019 and currently in its testing phase among Brisbane users, the app may be downloaded at the App Store for iOS devices.

“High Street Rentals hit the app store earlier this year and we’re currently testing it in the Brisbane market,” Ms Lee wrote on her LinkedIn profile.

“We’ve hit some barriers and are pivoting around them and learning as we go. With a few more updates we will be ready to expose it to a wider market.”

Ladies between the ages of 17 to 25 have already taken advantage of this latest innovation in the shared economy business model. College students are loaning out their $3,500 clothes to earn $500 in one weekend — not a bad deal at all!

*Photo Credit:* *High Street Runway/Facebook*

Users love the security of High Street Runaway app as the return of the dress they’ve loaned to strangers may be guaranteed. The app has the following features:

a chat window where the girls can make enquiries about the clothes before closing the deal
a feedback option for both the buyer/renter and seller/loaner
a user identification system that be verified and checked before sending payments.

To better understand how the app works, watch this video below:

“Girls don’t like to wear clothes more than once,” Ms Lee said. “Parents love it too. Instead of dropping thousands before their daughter even walks out the door, they can pull together the same look for much less.”

Following the app’s launch, Ms Lee, the wife of Phil Lee of the Brisbane Broncos, and co-founder Jo Erzetich have achieved a 400 per cent traffic spike on their online venture. However, they also run a physical store in Paddington, where renters and shoppers could try on the clothes first before closing a transaction.

In the future, Ms Lee intends to expand the app to include accessories rentals or hair and makeup services.

Love the Comfort of a Kimono Dress? Learn to Make Yours at this Paddington Workshop!

Are you looking for a creative but different way to spend your leisure time in Paddington? The Kimono workshop hosted by Japanese expert Kent Florist could be right up your alley.

You don’t need to be a skillful sewer to make your own Kimono dress as the technique is apparently quite easy to master.

In recent years, modern fashion has embraced the simplicity of Kimono dresses. This garment has become on trend because it can easily turn a dull outfit into a dramatic ensemble without looking too made up.

Kimono jackets or robes can be worn over a pair of skinny jeans or shorts and a basic shirt. Its fabric is comfortable and fun to mix and match with other outfits.

Set for Sunday, the 28th of April 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at 6 Cochrane Street, this Kimono workshop will teach you to make either a hip or thigh-long kimono jacket (haori) to spruce your day-to-day wardrobe or a simple robe (nagajuban) to wear for special events.

The one-time workshop cost $95 per person, which is already inclusive of the kimono cloth and sewing tools like thread and needle. Participants will also be served Japanese sweets and green tea during the break.

Kent Florist specializes in flower arrangements and its owner, Mikiko Inoue, also conducts regular Kokedama workshops for the green thumbs. Ms Innoe also runs For Japan Only, a novelty store that sells vintage Japanese items including Kimono, handbags, and shoes.

Woolworths Paddington Now Delivers Your Grocery Purchases in Under 2 Hours

Online grocery shopping via Woolworths has now been made more convenient as the superstore, located at 107 Latrobe Terrace in Paddington, recently launched its Delivery Now service.

Under this delivery scheme, Woolworths customers may receive their purchases within a two-hour window. The company is introducing this very first speedy delivery service in Brisbane to keep abreast with the competition.

At least 38 Woolworths sites across Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney have already adopted Delivery Now. Aside from Paddington, residents in these suburbs in Brisbane may also take advantage of the short-term service seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

Ascot
Ashgrove
Bulimba
Camp Hill
Spring Hill

The company is looking to expand this service to more stores in Queensland based on the customers’ feedback and demands.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Woolworths’ Delivery Now has a delivery fee of $19 for 30 commonly needed items, such as food ingredients and baby products. When a customer is too sick to get up and buy medication, availing of Delivery Now’s two-hour service will also come quite handy.

This service, however, is different from the superstore’s existing delivery scheme, which charges a $15 delivery fee for grocery purchases amounting to $100 and up. Delivery Now, will also not be able to fulfill purchases of deli items, which requires preparation, and bulky items that might not fit in the delivery vehicle.