Just open: Counter

It's standing room only at Counter. The small cafe has opened on North Melbourne's Errol Street directly across the road from its older sibling, the always pumping Auction Rooms, and has no inside seating. The cafe is focused on lessening the queues of people waiting for takeaways and coffees at the popular flagship cafe. Amy Malone, Counter's manager, says, ''We wanted to offer a quick alternative to those wanting just a coffee or something simple to eat.''

Counter offers filled baguettes, toasties and jaffles and coffee, with just two tables outside. They are building an espresso bar, ''to stand and have a coffee,'' says Malone, with plans in the pipeline for a takeaway salad bar, too.

Details: 104 Errol Street, North Melbourne, auctionroomscafe.com.au.