Heartattack and Vine, the beloved cafe and bar adorning the iconic Lygon Street, is known best for its intimate atmosphere and European-chic aesthetic. The team behind the restaurant have decided to leave another mark on Carlton, with a brand new soon-to-be-favourite opening up its doors just down the road.
Introducing Sunhands, an all-day venue with an emphasis on seasonal produce and local suppliers. Sunhands is equally as cosy but more light-filled and airy—parked right on the corner of Elgin Street and Drummond Street.
Sunhands can’t be labelled as just one thing - it’s equal parts cafe, wine bar, deli and grocer. Locality is at the core of their ethos, with local suppliers and artists making up the beating heart of the venue. Even the stained glass window designs decorating the walls are custom-made by local artist Poppy Templeton, and the space is further enriched by handmade ceramics, including plates and wine buckets, from ceramicist Kelly Greenhalgh.
Originally the home of IMA Project Cafe, the well-known corner is the ideal space for Sunhands, perfect for late morning breakfasts or early afternoon aperitivo, appropriately sun-soaked and warm. “You walk in and it’s golden, and it’s bright, and it’s light,” says co-owner Ishella Butler. Where the moody lighting of Heartattack and Vine adds to the ambience, the glowing light of Sunhands is striking, with pale timber and yellow tiles giving an inviting aura.
When it comes to their menu, fresh, outstanding produce is at the forefront. “Using what we can get our hands on, we really want to bring something fresh to Carlton,” says Butler. “Our fruit and veg supplier picks the fruit on the day and delivers it a few hours later. It doesn’t get any fresher.”
Expect to find a seasonally-informed menu under their head chef Pat Drapac, whose previous ventures include Bar Romantica and Old Palm Liquor, with small plates available all day. House pickled octopus, baked ricotta with agrodolce, and oysters with mignonette are just some of the offerings you can expect to find there, but they’ve got some seriously hearty food on offer too. Dippy eggs with sourdough, loaded breakfast platters heaped with house pickles and ferments; the menu might be ever-changing, but only to highlight the best produce available.
You’ll soon be able to see them open in the evenings soon, as they plan to open up for evenings in mid-Autumn. A seasonal dinner menu is planned too, so watch this space. Customers can also buy wine in shop, alongside Drapac’s own ferments and pickles, and various deli goods from local suppliers.
Check out the best restaurants on Lygon Street over here.
Image credit: Nicholas Wilkins (supplied)