The Superlatives

What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood?

There’s a spit-and-sawdust-type bar called The Pit in Holland Village, which has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, well-priced drinks and is the unofficial bar of the Chip Bee neighbourhood. Drinks & Co is great for a casual meal sat amongst rows of wine bottles and graffiti. And Baker & Cook for the coffee and bread.

What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood?

Holland Village has some great independent and international shops; there’s rarely a need to head into town. You can get everything from a grass skirt to an antique Chinese cabinet to a fancy manicure.

What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood?

Biking the green corridor, having an alfresco dinner in Holland Village and spying on neighbours’ gardens! There’s also an unofficial dog park nearby where dogs of all breeds and sizes hang out together.

What’s one thing you’d never change?

The community spirit. There’s a community Facebook group for Chip Bee and, along with lots of people selling kids’ toys and so on, there are some wonderful connections. A helper in Chip Bee recently contracted cancer and the community rallied round and managed to raise over $70,000 to cover her medical bills in just a few days. That’s pretty magical in this day and age.

How about one thing you would change?

The high-rise development being built around Holland Village. Hopefully, the village atmosphere won’t change with all the new condos going up.

If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it?

Close the street to cars and hold monthly street festivals with some great bands and food stalls. It’s time to get everyone together again!