In operation since 2010, Jackson Dodds was another venture that stemmed from Brunswick East’s extended Small Block family – in this case, former Small Block barista Cameron Willis and wife Jackie. Now owned by Jason Mazzacca (former Village Chef Bakery/Deli owner in Essendon), the seasoned hospitality veteran runs the Jackson Dodds ship in a similarly successful manner. There’s a warm, delicate, all-day menu with assorted specials and Coffee Supreme organic fair-trade roasted coffee whizzing about, plus a burgeoning tea selection too.

Located on the corner of Union Street, diagonally opposite the J.S. Grey Reserve, it’s within handball distance of the last stop on the 112 West Preston tram line at Gilbert Road. Local mums with toddlers, students and nearby workers fill the space during the week, with families converging at the weekend. Breakfast includes authentic village bakers fruit loaf, imaginative omelettes and ricotta pancakes with crispy bacon and real Canadian maple syrup. A salubrious steak sandwich is the go for lunch. Specials include dishes such as penne with toasted breadcrumbs, bacon, chilli, peas, squirts of olive oil and grana padano, while pea and haloumi fritters bridge the cultural divide.

There’s a kiddies table, local photography and vintage toy collections on the walls, plus outdoor tables ready to be filled on clear days. New wave hollers score the space musically as infant jabber adds the distorted sound effects.