Standing-room only at Counter

North Melbourne cafe Auction Rooms is expanding, but it's standing-room only at Counter, the new business from owner Andrew Kelly

Directly across the road from Auction Rooms, it's hoped that Counter - called that because that's all there'll be to lean on - will alleviate some of the spill-over crowds from the pumping Auction Rooms.

Kelly has employed Katie Falkiner as the Auction Rooms food adviser to consult on a business model that caters for takeaway coffees and lunches. The tiny space was previously the cafe Wooly Bully.

Counter will ''be great for locals and workers who just want something quick to go'', Falkiner says. Counter is due to open next month.