Explore Melbourne With Natalie Bloom

25th OF August 2011

RESCU spoke to Melbourne mother, entrepreneur, style maker and founder of Bloom cosmetics, Natalie Bloom about her home city. We asked this iconic lady, who embodies Melbourne's fun and fresh lifestyle, for her pick of secret addresses and things to do when visiting Melbourne.

RESCU: What are some of the hidden attractions for a tourist to check out when next in Melbourne?
Natalie Bloom: Metropolis bookstore is located on the upper levels of Curtin House in Melbourne’s CBD. This hidden gem carries one of the best selections of art, design, fashion and music books in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to many alleyways and hidden basements, where you’ll find the absolute best restaurants and bars. Flinders Lane is a perfect example, where you will find Coda, a basement bar and restaurant famous for its delicious European inspired Asian cuisine.

RESCU: Do you have a favourite breakfast spot?
Natalie Bloom: Lawson Grove Shop - hidden down a tiny cul de sac, this breakfast spot is South Yarra’s best-kept secret!

RESCU: Where would you take a tourist?
Natalie Bloom:
1. Heide Museum of Modern Art - I find strolling the tranquil grounds of this indoor and outdoor art space to be both therapeutic and inspiring.
2. Gertrude Street, Fitzroy – you’ll find some of the best restaurants and cafes down this strip, not to mention quirky little shops with beautiful vintage and one-off pieces. I could spend a whole day wandering along this street!
3. Melbourne’s GPO is home to some of Australia’s top designers, and leading international designers too. You’ll find Acne, Willow, Akira and more! The Heritage-listed building is just beautiful too.

RESCU: Where can we find a great coffee blend?
Natalie Bloom: De Clieu on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. They serve iconic Seven Seeds coffee.

RESCU: Where can we find the best facial?
Natalie Bloom: For an indulgent treat, I always visit Valli at Herbario in Prahran (222 Chapel Street, Prahran, Ph: 03 9529 6320). You have to experience it to believe just how wonderful it is!

RESCU: Where should we stop by for some retail therapy?
Natalie Bloom: Despite being overtaken by many chain stores, Chapel Street is still my pick for Melbourne’s best boutique shopping. With destinations like sass & bide, Gorman and Dinosaur Designs, I can always count on finding something special. Oh and our beautiful flagship store calls this strip home too!

RESCU: Where can we spend the day with our kids?
Natalie Bloom: When the kids were younger we would take them to a park on Cowderoy Street in St Kilda, where there was a coffee shop located on the corner! My husband and I would enjoy coffee while watching our kids play – this place was like a saviour!

RESCU: What is your favourite romantic restaurant?
Natalie Bloom: Being a lover of all things France, I just can’t go past France-Soir in South Yarra. This narrow, dimly lit restaurant with an intimate atmosphere and lengthy wine list is perfect for any special occasion.

RESCU: Where can we go for some great art?
Natalie Bloom: Block Projects Gallery in Cremorne is a conceptual exhibition space housing many works by the late David Band, a friend and an amazing artist. David’s work also adorns our Bloom Organics packaging. His use of bold colours and graphic forms makes my heart skip a beat each time I look at his work.