The newly revamped Hobart Grove shopping centre at the corner of Grosvenor and Hobart Roads in Bryanston has proved a shot in the arm for the area’s retail and dining scene.
The new-look Hobart Grove was unveiled in 2011 to reveal a fresh, Cape Cod inspired centre complete with cream walls, white wooden roof beams and teal coloured corrugated roofs. An upmarket mix of well-loved old and new tenants has taken up residence which are being comfortably accommodated thanks to the addition of 4450sqm’s new retail space.
One old Hobart Grove favourite is ‘La Campagnola’, an upmarket restaurant which has earned a reputation for serving fine (and pricey) fare over the years. The owner has extended the restaurant to include an elegant undercover patio area which serves as the perfect platform for enjoying meals on balmy summer days.
Other restaurants include Sugo, Simply Asia, Taj Mahaal, Junipa’s and Fruits and Roots. Sugo is an Italian inspired eatery fittingly outfitted in crisp red, green and white colours. Unsurprisingly, pizza, pasta, salad and scrumptious Italian style breakfasts are Sugo’s speciality. I highly recommend the salmon and scrambled egg on ciabatta which comes with a delicious tomato relish. Sugo’s coffee is also delectable.
Authentic, affordable Thai food is served at Simply Asia and tasty Indian delicacies such as bunny chow, samosas, roti and breyanis are available at Taj Mahaal. Junipa’s is a bistro style restaurant which serves mouth-watering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Junipa roasts their coffee on site and also bakes all their muffins, croissants, cakes and ‘artisan’ style bread on the premises. Fruits and Roots specialises in earth-friendly organic and vegetarian produce.
Shops which caught my eye included Twisted Whiskers Pet Spa & Deli and the Hobart SuperSpar-Broadacre’s Spar ‘sister’ store.Twisted Whiskers makes no secret of the fact that a person’s pooch should be treated in style. You can either drop off your canine friend at this beautifully designed parlour or have him (or her) collected. In addition to the ‘usual’ grooming services, Twisted Whiskers offers aromatherapy massages and hydrotherapy baths. Yes, really. Nails buffed and fur permed, you can purchase your dog (or cat’s) organic pet food next door where they also sell collars, plush toys, beds and snacks.
Akin to the Broadacres SuperSpar, Hobart SuperSpar is well worth a visit. The meat and cheese delis are well-stocked and their ready-made meals are irresistible. Other products sourced from far and wide include, amongst others, single origin chocolate, a variety of jams, fresh flowers, magazines, vegetables, pasta, ready-made salads and sandwiches and a host of superb wines at the adjoining Tops store.
Other shops located at Hobart Grove include ‘Marsha J’ which specialises in individually designed jewellery; ‘Chasing Fireflies’ which sells exclusive children’s toys; Cheveux stylists; Novel Books; Glamour Shoes; Bryanston Flowers; Out of the Blue; ‘Naughty Company’ ; Leon Magiel Interiors; Baker’s Warehouse; Persian Carpets; Kitchen Pantry and ‘From Twain with Love’ – a boutique clothing store.
In addition to the expansion of the retail area, a health suite measuring approximately 397sqm’s has been added to Hobart Grove. A spinning studio, biokinetist and physio have taken up residence in this section. Additional services available at Hobart include graphic design, spa treatments, irrigation, kitchen design, printing, laundry and locksmith services. A pharmacy and optometrist have also opened for business.
There is no doubt that Hobart Grove is strategically positioned to serve Bryanston’s market. The suburb has long been a favourite with the well-heeled and retail nodes capable of evolving and quenching the demand for designer living such as Hobart Grove will, in all likelihood, remain in vogue for some time to come.