In what can only be described as a joyful triumph of good over evil, the gaming room at the old Buckland Hotel has been turned into a walk-in cool room.

Barry McDonald, the founder of the Fratelli Fresh phenomenon is giving this neighbourhood stalwart the ‘FF’ treatment. Consider that to include a new branch of Cafe Sopra including pizzeria and bar, a fresh food market, and a bottleshop.

The decor is wooden, warm and inviting, the staff so efficient that you might get asked the same thing twice. Seating is ample for 120 including both indoor, outdoor and private dining options.

In the rear supermarket space meander past shelves brimming with all the usual pantry goodness including imported olive oils, Giuseppe Giusti’s balsamic vinegar, fresh fruit and veg. Along the wall stacked high; dried pastas in every shape and size.

With a ‘football field sized’ parking lot 100m down the road, it’s one of the few ‘pubs’ that encourages you to drive, buy your groceries and then stay for lunch.

Fratelli Fresh Alexandria
52 Mitchell Road (Cnr Mitchell Road & Buckland St), Alexandria
Monday – Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am-4pm

Café Sopra Alexandria:
Lunch: 12pm – 3pm seven days a week
Bar /Pizza menu: 12pm-10pm seven days a week
Dinner: 6pm – 10pm 7 seven days a week