Tom was the main event for my son's 5th birthday party and we are so glad we found him. The reviews on WOMOW were 100% accurate. Tom was punctual, professional and showed mastery in captivating 15 very enthusiastic kids in a very cramped space. His humour and slight of hand were spot on and he helped make the vent memorable for everyone there, most importantly our son. Highly recommended.

After making us wait for months, Clint and his team finally opened up what is the best spot for wine and pizza in North Melbourne. The wine list is great, without being obtuse and has a leaning to European drops.

The menu is edited, without limiting choice. The starters are brilliant for sharing, but the name of the game here are the most delicious pizzas this hungry local has tasted on this side of Ladro. If you can't imagine a mushroom pizza blowing your mind, well do yourself a favour. The ingredients are all top notch and each pizza is delicious in its simplicity.

Thank you for choosing our little village!

No doubt word of mouth will spread and you'll be filled with diners from all over town, but until that happens, I'll continue to enjoy my weekly Banter fix.

Queensberry Street is turning into the most interesting part of North Melbourne, thanks to All The King's Men, Beatrix, Twenty & Six Espresso, our new bookstore and now Banter.

Approximate cost: $25

Beatrix is a newly opened cafe in what is the quiet, western part of North Melbourne. It specialises in delicious cakes and great coffee. Its decor is understated, with lovely pale timber tables and has an intimacy that some of the other more established cafes in the area lack.

The cupcakes are to die for, but my favourite treat is the Cocoa-Mo.

It's open most days, except Tuesdays.

As a local resident I encourage everyone in the area to visit. You won't be disappointed.

Update - Thanks to the lovely folks at The City of Melbourne, Beatrix now has outdoor tables, so you can now enjoy the gorgeous food in the leafy part of Queensberry St.

Set walking distance from downtown Hobart, Altamont House is set on the ground level of a 2 story, sandstone historic home in a picturesque part of Tasmania's capital city. Sean and Beck have created a luxury experience akin to the best boutique hotels on the mainland or anywhere in the world. Two indulgently large bedrooms are separated by a 5 star, contemporary bathroom, where no expense has been spared. The bathtub and giant shower are guilty pleasures and the marriage of modern white walls, with the exposed sandstone, put suburban cliched feature walls to shame. Not completely self contained, continental breakfast is provided, showcasing some of Tasmania's finest produce. A sheer delight and the perfect welcoming start to our Tasmanian adventure. A giant flatscreen TV, an accompanying Playstation 3 and a fireplace complete an experience which quickly felt like a home away from home.

Approximate cost: $180

Incredible location in some of the most picturesque scenery on the Apple Isle. Graham and his family have created a natural haven, which immerses you in the lush bush of this region. Alpacas graze in his lush paddocks, sharing the expanse with twenty or so chickens. These chickens also provided us with some of the freshest and tastiest eggs we've ever savoured. As one explores this impressive property, it is impossible to not feel a sense of respect for Graham, who has devoted himself to creating this experience and lay a tribute to long forgotten Chinese tin miners and their contribution to the area. There are four luxurious and cozy cottages, all built by Graham, where no detail is spared. Highly recommended for a family getaway or couples. There is no shortage of local fauna. Ask Graham about where to spot the local platypus.

Approximate cost: $250

Simply the most delicious, freshest and most generous Fish and Chips in Tasmania. We stumbled across this mobile culinary gem on our way back from a dull, cold and wet day in Port Arthur. It was an unexpected delight. The service was familiar and friendly. The scallops and chips were so good, it ruined us for the rest of our stay in Tassie. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

Approximate cost: $12

Great bar and rooms. The main dining room is casual and enjoys lovely natural light, as it is a bit like a glass house. In the summer it can get a bit warm.

The menu is great pub food with a touch of flair. It is great value and the portions are generous.

I can recommend the burger and the fish is always cooked well.

Their take on a chicken parma might throw the traditionalists a bit, but it is served in a clay pot and is delicious.

It's up there with my favourite gastro pubs in the area.

Highly recommended.

There is no denying the quality of the bread and pastries here. Their sandwiches are delicious and prepared freshly, even for take aways.

It is not pram friendly at all and a silly hand written sign out front reminds those with young kids that this place is not for them.

I work in an office just around the corner and we often buy their food for business lunches and meetings.

It is such a shame that the attitude most of the female staff have is so poor.

There is a nice way to serve loyal customers and the staff at Babka really need a lesson in this.

Still it's an institution of sorts and Brunswick Street is a busy enough strip that for every disappointed customer, there are 10 new ones each day.

Great space. Similar to St Ali (early days).

The coffee is consistently excellent and the menu is simple but well done.

You can park your push bike inside, if you want to cycle there.

There are plenty of skinny, bearded guys and body art to confirm its hipness. If you don't mind that, then this is a hidden little gem.

Highly recommended.

Nick opened up this cool, old school barbershop in 2007.

It's well priced, has a great vibe and the music played is always a welcome surprise or trip down memory lane.

The business has grown in popularity, so now Nick has a team of 3, so the wait is never too long.

No appointments, cool magazines and always a good chat.

Highly recommended.

Update - Sometimes the best kept secrets can't be kept secret for long. Nick has moved to bigger premises just around the corner, in what is turning into the hippest part of North Melbourne.

The bigger space has allowed Nick to let his flair for decor flourish, with more vintage chairs, more rare prints and two turntables and a mixer. Pretty cool, even if this old timer says so himself.

His new address is 558 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne.