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A new era for Carlton's King & Godfree

Hilary McNevin

Lisa Valmorbida inside the pop-up gelateria, Pidapipó.
Lisa Valmorbida inside the pop-up gelateria, Pidapipó.Wayne Taylor

Lygon Street landmark King & Godfree will close in early 2014 for significant renovations that will turn the much-loved Carlton food and wine shop into a "concept store" with a gelateria, cafe, restaurant and wine store.

Established in 1884 on the corner of Lygon and Faraday streets, and bought by the late Carlo Valmorbida in 1955, King & Godfree is still owned by the Valmorbida family.

Carlo's grandson Jamie Valmorbida, now a co-owner, says the shop has "evolved over the years but we are planning to relaunch it as an Italian food and wine concept store".

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Valmorbida says the renovation will be completed in stages, starting this week with Pidapipó, a pop-up gelateria in Faraday Street, which will remain open over summer.

Jamie's sister, Lisa Valmorbida, who studied gelato-making at the renowned Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, will head up the gelateria.

Other elements include a cafe and delicatessen in the front of the building, and a restaurant to follow later.

Jamie Valmorbida describes the renovation as a "passion project for the family and a chance to do something together since our grandfather passed away".

King & Godfree will close for a "short period of time" in early 2014 at a date yet to be determined.

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Pidapipó gelateria will open on December 12.

Details: Pidapipó, 222 Faraday Street, Carlton, opening hours 11am-11pm.

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