Market Room Logan Hyperdome

The new food precinct at the Hyperdome has been open for a few months now. I love these types of retail zones. Many large centres are constructing these precincts as their draw cards. The common format is a mix of fresh food grocers, bakers, some dine in cafes and usually a florist as well. 

The dine in cafes nicely compliment the after hours trading and cinemas and the fresh food satisfies our primal urge to forage and gather food for our family. I think the "choosing and gathering" elements are what is at the heart of the success of many of these food precincts.

The Hyperdome draws on a full spectrum of socio economics from the surrounding areas. The addition of the Market Room has added a choice that previously wasn't available. Whilst budget conscious shoppers can still go to the multiple supermarkets, the Market Room could be seen as offering a more upmarket option or to satisfy that special occasion when you do want to select from a more upmarket range.

Won Ton Ton is located at the original end that joins the centre and near the exit door is a simple donut store.

Not all sites filled at the initial opening but the centre has used food themed space fillers and created an area for cooking demonstrations and presentations.

The food hall is has a dark ceiling and utilizes lots of specialty lighting which nicely highlights the produce.

I hope Market Room does well as I think it was a much needed lift to the Hyderdome. 

Tres Noosa

I came across this shop recently on a trip to Noosa. It's located in Noosa Junction.

The shop stocks homeware, decor, clothing and features lots of shells and driftwood accented by sea blue/ azure, but the first thing that caught my eye was the beach sand all around the floor.

It's really cool and seems to be well controlled despite my experience with beach sand. I always get my sand from one end of the holiday apartment to the next including in the bedsheets- yuck. Combined with the concrete polished floor the feel is au natural. 

The thing I loved most about this shop was that the fitout was pretty much done all by the owner. That always gets big brownie points in my book. You can tell she is creative and arty and such simple but clever ideas have turned ordinary into eye catching and fantastic. The counter is such an example. The threaded driftwood and shells create a new look for the trestle table.

What most people would consider beach flotsam she has collected and used to create atmosphere for no cost.  How many times have we all seen washed up coconuts? But in mass they look great. 

More driftwood and leaves have been incorporated into display for back drops and display platforms.

Top marks to an innovative retailer!

Stalled

I love the serendipity that comes with taking a new route and exploring different areas.

Discovering Stalled cafe at Albion was one of those moments for me. It was off my usual path, but looked so lovely I had to go back to see it properly.

Stalled is in Collingwood St, which is semi industrial with a large park at the end. The cafe is located in the front section of an industrial shed. However it's the clever changes which set it apart from the other sheds in the street. The set back framed glass front and the pot plants give a welcoming look.

Inside the eclectic mix of tables and chairs against the simple counter and shelves really make you feel at home. The plants spilling over the shelves soften the look and show they are well cared for which also indicates the type of service you can expect.

It was the thought to retain the existing industrial touches that I liked. I love the suspended shackle and chain and the reo frame that climbing plants are being trained up.

At the other side of the cafe is this nice brick wall and pot belly stove. It's a simple but effective fitout and the owners have plans to remove the back wall and open up more of the shed.