AND ALSO…

PIE TIME Matt Wilkinson’s diner Pope Joan might have closed, but The Pie

Shop, his cheerful shopfront next door, continues to trade in goldstandard pastries – savoury, sweet and breakfast – all made in house. The fillings, including a spag Bol number (above) named The Bruce, are generous, and the shortcrust, rolled out in the front window, is light and buttery but still sturdy enough to be eaten by hand. 75 Nicholson St, Brunswick East, 0455 052 342 REVAMPED CLASSIC Cafe Romantica, a fixture on Lygon Street for nearly 30 years, changed hands recently and is now Bar

Romantica, a late-night local with an above-average food menu, free pool table and a simple booze list that favours local labels. The reno has captured a 1960s espresso-bar spirit and snacks include a tomato and fior di latte pizza, with or without ’nduja, and a very good beef tartare with fermented chilli. 52 Lygon St, Brunswick East, (03) 9191 9410 BIG NIGHT OUT The team behind Fancy Hanks has opened an exuberantly decorated three-level funhouse called Heroes. It features a Singaporean and Malaysian-inspired barbecue restaurant, rooftop bar and bookable karaoke rooms. Chef Alicia Cheong dishes up a menu of sticks (duck heart, tingling lamb, shiitake) cooked over charcoal and larger plates such as chicken wings with chilli vinegar and lime. Cocktails are good too, courtesy of Oscar Eastman, formerly of Loretta’s and Eau de Vie. Level 1-3, 188 Bourke St, Melbourne, (03) 8639 0630