MELBOURNE | Have you ever lamented the decline of independent print media and the local corner store? If so, new opening Bureau Provisions & Periodicals might just be the place you’ve been looking for. I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne to find out how owner Jay Clough is swimming against the tide.
Jay, an avid fan of print media, hospitality industry veteran of 20 years, and owner of chilli oil brand Agri, knew that he wanted to start something in the aftermath of COVID, but wasn’t clear exactly what that was. When he came across a small space in Parkville, and noticed the relative lack of quality convenience options in the vicinity, surprising given the proximity to Melbourne University and Royal Melbourne Hospital, the idea for what was to become Bureau, was formed.
At this one-person operation, Jay combines his passions, with influences from his travels and time spent living abroad. On the wall, where the venue’s bench and stools lie, are photos of some of the places from around the world that have inspired Bureau. Most of which Jay has been to at some point in his life, and many that I recognise and love from my own travels and time spend living in Europe.
Walking into the space, I thought to myself “this looks like the kind of place that you’d see in Monocle magazine. This is a place that supports independent print media, and you’ll find lots of interesting local and international newspapers and magazines on the shelves. The range is constantly evolving, selected for their quality, how engaging they are, and if Jay likes reading them. About half of the magazines are design, art, and food related. A few favourites of mine that were on the shelf when I visited were Monocle, Noble Rot, and Swill.
To eat, it’s convenience focused options like top notch hot and iced filter coffee, freshly baked loaves of bread, pastries, and sandwiches. There’s a small section dedicated to locally sourced groceries, and a selection of tasty pantry items from independent local and international producers.
Bureau Provisions & Periodicals
51 Royal Parade
Parkville
Victoria 3052
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Fri: 7:30am to 3:00pm
Sat: 7:30am to 1:30pm