New Acton, What’s Up?

By Ashleigh Went.

Tap your heels together three times and repeat after me: there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home… I’m not talking about your home (#awks), I’m talking about ours. New Acton is a bustling, vibrant precinct that’s packed with entertainment, dining options and bars. Here are our top picks…

Monster Bar & Kitchen

If you’re going to try just one dish from Monster, you’d better make it the yabby jaffle with horseradish and crème fraiche. It’s not often that you see a crustacean in a toastie but this hot, crispy, buttery creation is anything but ordinary. Situated in the award winning Nishi building, Monster is architecturally stunning with interesting design features everywhere you look.

Palace Cinema

Palace Electric is like a cinema on steroids. The vibe is more special than your run of the mill cinema, particularly when you step through from the ticket sales area to the Prosecco bar. My favourite part about going to Palace is ordering a massive rosé and a choc top… did someone say cheat day? The cinemas have an intimate feel and often play host to various international film festivals.

Parlour Wine Room

If you’re in the mood for tapas (who isn’t?), Parlour should be your go-to. It’s an excellent spot for a work meeting, girly get together or intimate date night. Sit back on a comfy leather chesterfield and peruse their extensive wine list (with a particular emphasis on Spanish wines) or pop in for lunch: their lunch deal is a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine for just $16… yes please.

Mocan & Green Grout

Stepping into Mocan, you feel more like you’re visiting the home of an über hipster friend than a café. Pull up a chair at the kitchen island or nestle into a cosy corner and tuck into their seasonal menu. Every detail feels carefully curated – from the knick-knacks that rest on the reclaimed wood walls to the dainty jellyfish hanging from the roof. It’s a nice place to spend your time and with free Wi-Fi, why wouldn’t you?

A Baker

Short for ‘Acton Baker’, A Baker is the spot for baked artisan breads and pastries. The quality of their breads takes their poached eggs on toast to the next level. They also have a great soup or sandwich special for lunch, as well as a Sunday Supper. I particularly love their scorched walls, which pay homage to the terrible fire that tore through the building in 2011.

Capitol Bar & Grill

If you love Italian, steak, seafood, wine or all of the above, then you need to dine at Capitol Bar & Grill. Particular standouts are the Seasonal Antipasto Table piled with cured meats, olives and cheese, as well as the giant rib eye. Peruse our list of international wines and indulge in some decadent dessert while you’re at it. If you’re in the mood to par-tay, saunter through the secret entrance to find…

Lucky’s Speakeasy

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate an event or simply wind down after a long day at work, Lucky’s is the place to get sauced in secret. Settle into a dark, intimate corner with a cocktail… or three. If you’re feeling peckish, order some nibbles like the buttermilk and sake fried chicken with waffle fingers or some mini burgers.

Black Market

The newest addition to bustling New Acton, Black Market occupies the bottom level of A Baker. With a 1970s New York vibe, it’s a small space but makes a big impact with marble, concrete, mirrored and leather details. Pop in before or after a movie to complete a perfect date night.

Bicicletta

Managed by the Pepper’s resort, Bicicletta is a quality Italian restaurant. Their Crespelle (a cross between a crepe and ravioli) is pretty damn tasty, and they also have a solid pizza menu for when that inevitable pizza craving but want something more special than your standard takeaway.