Nine Inner West Shops to Visit If You Want to Support Local Artists and Producers

Whether it’s to decorate the walls of your home or give as a personalised gift, art is always fun to shop for. Hit up Hypmotive’s flagship store in Marrickville for a unique range of locally made arts, crafts and DIY activities.

Inside the bright and colourful store, you’ll find a fun 27 Club-inspired take on Guess Who, delicate handmade ceramics, cute upcycled earrings and so much more. Oh, and did we mention the owners have two friendly rescue dogs that greet you on entry? The shop is artist-centric in every sense, hosting exhibitions, launches and regular talks —  so you can support the makers while learning more about their creative process.

A quality candle can transform the mood of any room. And Hunter Candles’ unique botanical beauties are no exception. Tucked away in an industrial St Peters warehouse, Hunter Candles’ sizeable shop sells a lineup of hand-poured candles inspired by the grunge and eccentricity of the inner west.

Best-selling scents include a pine, cedar, rosemary and leather candle called December, which evokes the earthy pine aromas of Christmas season, and the No 3 Acacia Tree which fuses sweet and spicy scents that are fitting for a relaxed evening at home. The quality candles sit around the 50-dollar mark and burn for 45-plus hours.

Her Banana’s delicate handmade jewellery is the perfect way to treat yourself — or gift a friend. The small boutique store features reasonably priced rings, earrings and necklaces made of sterling silver and 14- and 18-carat gold. There’s also the alluring opportunity to personalise your own piece, through lettering, length, engraving — or just about anything else you can think of.

Visit the King Street shop and studio to purchase your own dainty design, or bring your special someone and not-so-subtly peruse the custom-designed engagement ring section together. Whatever your intention, staff go the extra mile to ensure you walk out the door happy.

Chocolate filled with pinot noir ganache, black sesame with almond praline and a moreish mandarin-flavoured dark chocolate are just a few of the decadent delights that line the shelves of Petersham’s Belle Fleur Fine Chocolates. Made by hand daily, the delicious and diverse range of chocolates offers the perfect pick-me-up treat. Though you can bet these beauties won’t last long on your shelves at home.

The pre-packed boxes, which range from $20 to $146, are great for gifting. Looking for something extra special? The lovely chocolatiers will chat you through (and let you sample) the collection until you make the right choice.

Bucket Boys do bougie booze like nowhere else in Sydney. At their Marrickville bottle shop and beer bar, you can choose from a generous selection of ever-popular Aussie-made craft beer, wine, spirits and cider.

When it comes to boutique brews, think Moon Dog’s creative concoctions, inner west staple Wayward Brewing Co and flagons of beer brewed on site by the Bucket Boys themselves, plus New Zealand’s Garage Project. Make a day of it and visit the upstairs bar — you can bring your dog, too — and dine on fresh rice paper rolls, washed down with a sampling paddle of craft beers, of course.

Image: Marissa Ciampi.

Founded in the late 80s, the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative exists to celebrate, promote and support Aboriginal artists from all over NSW. The Leichhardt space showcases an original collection of works from artists both experienced and emerging. Each exhibition shares a special part of Aboriginal history and connection to Country, through multidisciplinary art forms including painting, ceramics and screen printing.

We suggest visiting Boomalli for one of its regular openings, which you’ll find details of on its Facebook page. Enjoy a glass of wine, check out the art at your own pace, connect with the artists and learn more from the passionate team who run the space.

Image: Sharon Hickey.

This gorgeous, family-run cafe and grocery store has it all. Start by treating yourself to a seasonal cafe breakfast courtesy of the kitchen. The vegetarian meals are full of flavour, and give you the chance to sample homemade pickles and preserves before you choose which ones to take home for your own pantry.

Next up, browse and shop your favourite preserves off the shelves. For $50, you can pick three different jars and carry them home in an adorable Cornersmith tote — note, the red tomato relish is a particular crowd-pleaser. If you’re feeling especially inspired by the food, pick up a copy of the Cornersmith cookbook. Or, treat a foodie friend to one of its loaded hampers.

Looking for a playful print or a piece of statement jewellery for your next night out? Head to the Social Outfit, where by purchasing from the racks of creative clothing you’re not just buying an original, but you’re also helping migrant women and refugees make Australia home.

Situated in the heart of Newtown, this clothing shop and workroom provides employment for migrants, as well as offering free training and education programs to help build a sense of community through craft. The thriving social enterprise embodies the spirit of the inner west in every sense. Not to mention its handmade items are fun, fashionable and — most importantly — ethically made.

Image: Luisa Brimble.

No trip to Newtown is complete without a visit to Enmore’s Road’s pastel blue P&V. The neighbourhood bottle shop sells an exciting mix of local and international natural wines — some of which you’ll find pouring in the city’s finest wine bars, and many of which you’ll only be able to pick up in store. P&V also stocks artisan spirits, sake and all the craft beer you could dream of.

Sample in store until you find the very best vino, take a few bottles home, then recycle the bottle into a vase. The bold, playful label designs showcased throughout this shop’s curation make for the perfect memento of your delicious drop.

Image: Trent van der Jagt.