Concrete Playground

There’s nothing like a courtyard to pull a crowd and The Village has a cracker, tucked away at the back of the Cross on narrow Kellett Way where Favela used to pump til all hours. We hear that even Leo recently paid a visit. The crowd here is varied, from younger party goers having a cocktail before they hit the Cross proper to an older set kicking back in the courtyard in groups, sharing antipasto boards and wine, and settled in for the evening.

This restaurant-slash-bar is a ‘village’ of rooms, indoor and outdoor, and just like its guests it is an eclectic mix of styles. There's everything from green tiles, exposed brick, sandstone and an open kitchen, to a library-like private room, themed in gold and lined with books and bric-a-brac.

The drinks menu is less eclectic. There's few great cocktail pitchers, a solid wine list with lesser known labels from Australia, France and Italy, and some beer and cider well suited for the courtyard on a balmy night.

Wood fire pizzas served on wooden paddles from the long open kitchen are the way to go for a lunch-time snack, and the menu extends to Seared Tuna, a Pot of (steamed) Mussels and a Wagyu beef Village Burger for eating at the many high tables or longer communal benches.