Pop Lab Popcorn

There’s only one thing better than a big bag of fresh popcorn—a big bag of fresh gourmet popcorn. Pop Lab Popcorn is Melbourne’s newest entry into the boutique popcorn game, and they’re bringing flavours you’d never even thought of right to the forefront.

The colourful little store has shelves filled to the brim with vintage Aussie lollies, American candy, and plenty of other treats, enough to satisfy even the most diligent and hardiest sweet tooths. Owner Kate Anderson-Firth is a bonafide popcorn aficionado, and her love affair with the movie-time snack has culminated in this jam-packed storefront in Fairfield. 

Of course, the main attraction is the mountains of artisanal popcorn, and they do not disappoint when it comes to flavour selection. With over 30 different flavours, you’re sure to find something to fit your palette. Some of the sweeter flavours they’ve had on the menu include cotton candy, pina colada, sour blue raspberry and a classic caramel (including a vegan option), but their savoury flavours have an even broader range, with the likes of taco, dill pickle, bacon mac and cheese, and jalapeno popper. 

Lollies are in abundance at Pop Lab Popcorn, with an entire shelf dedicated just to New Jersey saltwater taffy in boundless flavours (strawberry cheesecake, chilli mango, frosted cupcake, cherry cola and cinnamon bun are just a few). They also have milkshakes and soda floats, the syrups of which have been handpicked and imported from the US, just for that extra sweet authenticity. 

The interior itself is as bright, colourful and funky as you’d expect a gourmet popcorn shop to be. Bright walls of purple and orange make you feel like you’re in Willy Wonka’s factory (in the best way). There’s an old-school vibe that makes it feel like you’re in the retro sweet shops of old - from the pick-n-mix lolly wall to the diner-style soda counter.

The grand opening will be held on Saturday 15 July, and the first 50 people through the doors will be getting free bags of popcorn. Head over here for all the details. 

Image credit: Pop Corn Lab (supplied)