Ten Must-Visit Spots in Balmain for Every Occasion

If you’ve got a fresh interior that needs some additional inspiration, have a stroll through the regularly rotating collection of artworks at this serene (and extremely SEO-friendly) contemporary art space.

On any given day you’ll see the walls and floors adorned with artworks across a range of mediums, from paintings to sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and photography. The gallery is an artist-run initiative, which means buyers deal directly with the artists. You’ll pay the market price for their works without the premium you’d often pay for a gallerist’s commission.

Image: Arvin Prem Kumar

Seven days a week, at any given time, eager crowds spill out of Contessa and onto the footpath, patiently waiting for their caffeine fix and a feed. It’s one of the most popular brunch spots in Balmain with super-friendly staff; a menu of well-executed cafe classics-meets-Italian favourites (the spicy Italian meatball melt is particularly insane); and well-priced drinks for a boozy brunch (think $10 bellinis and $14 bloody marys).

Settle in with the crew, keep the coffees coming and enjoy a leisurely morning of buzzy people (and dog) watching and conversation.

Image: Arvin Prem Kumar

A beautiful bunch of flowers can knock the socks off your special someone or even make them weep if you really step it up a notch, so forgo the traditional bunch of roses and visit Ally Bell’s fragrance-filled shop, overflowing with blooms.

Bell’s specialty is unusual floral combinations turned into artful creations — from bespoke bouquets to custom terrariums. You can duck into the shop to browse the blooms or get a bouquet delivered fresh anywhere in Sydney.

Image: Arvin Prem Kumar

Field Blend is a wonderful specialty booze and cheese store that’s worth driving across town to check out. It’s like a pocket of regional Italy hiding in the ‘burbs of the inner west. The shop’s floor-to-ceiling timber shelves are lined with wines from around the world, curated with passion and care — from legendary French producers to independent local operations you’ve never heard of (until now).

And, of course, where there is wine there should always be cheese. Like the wine selections, your options here also span the globe. While you select the gooiest soft rind imaginable, have the lovely proprietor, Martina, help you out with some beautiful cured meats, sliced to order. Leave with hands full of bags and your dinner party sorted.

Image: Arvin Prem Kumar

Beyond the paintings and colourful objet d’art on display in the shopfront of Punch Gallery, you’ll find a trove of homewares, artworks, accessories and decorative trinkets. Here, you can unearth an unexpected gift or a treat to kit out your own home.

If you’ve got magpie qualities and are easily transfixed by bright and shiny things, you’ll lose time browsing the layer upon busily merchandised items handcrafted or produced by artisans from near and far.

Image: Arvin Prem Kumar

In a suburb rich in local pub life, The Balmain has one of the best beer gardens of the lot. It’s the second oldest pub in the neighbourhood with an origin that dates all the way back to the mid-1800s — but you won’t find any stuffy old-world vibes here. The menu does feature a handful of well-executed pub classics (the requisite sirloin steak and chicken schnitzel are present here) but they appear alongside contemporary Asian flavours and some extremely moreish bar snacks, including the Karaage chicken bites.

Navigate your way to a table through the bustling courtyard or pull up a bar seat and settle in for a lively post-work sesh.

Image: Katje Ford

If you deserve a little luxury (and you absolutely do), Balmain Spa & Natural Beauty on Darling Street has you sorted from top to toe — literally. Eyelash tints, pedicures and a full-body exfoliation all have a place on the menu of indulgent treatments on offer.

Try one of the luxe facials designed to your own skin specifications — the oxygen facial or the compelling anti-stress facial will have you looking and feeling super fresh. If you want to get even more hands-on, get blissed out with a Swedish-style massage or really treat yourself with the Pure Indulgence packages, finishing with a paraffin wax pedicure.

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Every neighbourhood needs a great local bookstore. One where browsing is encouraged, where staff members are generous with their personal recommendations, and it’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed. Hill of Content is one of those places.

From award-winning literary fiction to children’s books and gorgeous new hardcover additions to your finest coffee table tomes, the dedicated staff will ensure you’ll find a winning pick. It’s also a gift shopper’s sanctuary, with jigsaw puzzles, games, and literary-themed knick-knacks galore.

Image: Arvin Prem Kumar

Balmain is probably best known for its extensive offering of heritage pubs, but as the inner city influence has spilled into the suburb, the small bar scene in the area has been growing every year.

Wilhelmina’s is a dark and cosy spot — all polished wood panels, intimate bar seating and greenery draped from ceiling to floor. It’s like being in a friend’s living room, if your friend had an extensive collection of gin and Australian wines. Order a bottle of malbec and the charcuterie served with pickles and sourdough, or take your pick from the seasonal menu of tasting plates, and forget about the world for a while.

Nice underwear is a luxury that everyone deserves and this lovely boutique lingerie store caters accordingly. Its generous collection includes bras, underwear and shapewear for shoppers with larger cups, post-surgery requirements and maternity options in styles that range from sporty to sexy. It also has a good selection of sleepwear, loungewear, hosiery and swimwear, if you’re looking for something that will get a bit more public airtime.

And, if the gift you’re buying is one you’re planning to give yourself, Acte 3 has a bra fitting service to match you up with a style that’s the perfect fit.