Carwyn Cellars

On Thornbury's High Street since 2007, this bottle shop and bar has stayed independent through a strip that has seen plenty of turnover around it. The shop side curates craft beer, wine and spirits from small producers; next door, a bar pours from 32 rotating taps with a kitchen and beer garden attached, so a bottle bought at the counter can just as easily be opened on the spot. It holds a packaged liquor licence separate from the bar, and offers free click-and-collect alongside shipping across Australia. The pairing of retail and bar under one roof gives it a different rhythm to a standard suburban liquor store, with customers lingering rather than just grabbing and going. Open daily from midday, later on Fridays and Saturdays. A solid anchor for anyone exploring Melbourne's inner-north craft beer scene beyond the more heavily marketed venues.