You may remember a big, purple building on Mt Alexander Road called “Smoken Joe’s”. It was hard to miss. After closing, it sat unoccupied for years. Then in early 2016 Andrew D'Aprano, a local, re-opened the space as District North, after a complete rebuild.

The long, perforated metal bar with built-in glass cabinets creates a beautiful workbench for the baristas, who work with beans from Code Black. There is also communal bench-style seating. Pendant lights scattered throughout give the space a warm glow.

The menu caters for just about every taste and occasion, be it a post-gym acai bowl and fresh smoothie, or a hangover-busting burger with a Sriracha-infused Bloody Mary on the side. The cafe is also known for its doughnuts, which are made at a local bakery then filled and decorated with all sorts of confectionaries (Sour Straps, Maltesers, Snickers, pretzels, pomegranate cream).