Nestled just off the main strip in Preston, The Merri Clan is at the centre of a bubbling scene of independents raising the public profile of the growing suburb.
Putting on gigs, organising street parties and working tirelessly to bring something fresh to the community, The Merri Clan is quickly finding a home on Gilbert Road.
Sitting in the venue's surprisingly spacious beer garden, drinking locally roasted coffee from DC Coffee and surrounded by Guinness-themed paraphernalia in preparation for their upcoming St. Patrick's Day event, owner Julia Tilley outlines the thinking behind opening the venue in a suburb not previously known for its cafes and bars.
"We've been in this corner by the Merri Creek for 20 years, which is why we're called The Merri Clan," Tilley explains. "There wasn't a lot going on here and we were going to High Street to bars and restaurants, so we thought why not open something here? My daughter is a vegan and I'm vegetarian, so opening a vegan place was a natural fit and there's never been any animal harvesting product in the kitchen.
This is an approach taken by other local businesses keen to establish Preston's place on the map, regularly joining forces to support community events and each other in a manner you'd be hard pressed to find in the world of High Street chains.
The street party had a unique introduction in that it was opened with a Welcome to Country Ceremony and Smoking Ceremony conducted by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr and is something that Tilley is rightfully proud of.
To these ends, Julia and her daughter have big plans to convert the currently unused upstairs area of the venue as well as ramp up their events programme.
The Merri Clan is open Wednesday to Sunday at 15 Gilbert Road, Preston. Head to the venue website for the menu and event information.