Joanie's Baretto bar and Jerry Joy cafe open in Thornbury

As it edges closer to stealing Northcote's crown for northern suburbs hipness supremacy, Thornbury is riding a wave of new openings.

The team from Umberto Espresso Bar has just opened Joanie's Baretto, a little Italian-style bar. Named after owner Marco Finanzio's mother, its focus is on Italian beer, wine and aperitivi, with snacks such as crostini, salumi and cheese.

Meanwhile, the former Kitschen Pantry site has new owners - Damien and Seona Breen (ex-Foodrinkery, Burwood) - and has had a makeover, re-emerging as Jerry Joy. The days-only cafe is serving Axil coffee and locals are said to be loving their pulled pork burgers and beetroot-and-freekeh fritters.

And after a successful Good Beer Week pop-up, Carwyn Cellars is committing to a permanent craft beer and boutique whiskey bar. Think 16 taps of craft beer, plus charcuterie, cheese plates and BYO pizza from Moor's Head, starting in August or September.

Details: Joanie's Baretto, 832a High Street, 9480 5774; Jerry Joy, 128 Mansfield Street, 9484 0503; Carwyn Cellars, 877 High Street, 9484 1820.