Perched on the increasingly lively crest of Rucker’s Hill in Northcote, Joe’s Shoe Store is a great little bar in (as you can probably guess) what was once an old shoe store. The bar staff are young, stylish and vigorous – a description that can easily be applied to their clientele.

Joe’s is dark, cosy and comfortable – in other words, the ideal place for a couple of quiet pints. If you find yourself lobbing on Joe’s doorstep around dinnertime, be sure to order a pizza that will be delivered from Pizza Meine Liebe next door (they do a great gluten-free pizza base, too).

Be sure not to overlook the brick courtyard out the back, which contains a small bocce court and is perfect for good times on long a summer evening.