Our Neighbourhood .
WELCOME .
The neighbourhood that nurtures us
After many years in our beautiful Cooks Hill salon, one year ago this month Crysalis took the big leap and moved to our treasured King St location. Nestled at the heart of Newcastle, our salon family is so excited to be neighboured by so many incredible small businesses. As small business and community are at the centre of everything we do, today we would like to give the stage to our local community that nurtures us daily!
Here are some of our most cherished local spots, all in a short walk of our space…
MOMO WHOLEFOOD
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/momowholefood
If you are seeking health-conscious eats catering to all kinds of diets, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and seasonal eating, Momo Wholefood has a window seat waiting for you. Located in a gorgeous heritage building on the corner of Brown and Hunter Street (and just around the corner from Crysalis), the former bank hosts ceilings that seem to disappear into the clouds, towering windows filling the building with a radiance that is unparalleled, an eclectic blend of furnishings that are as equally inviting as they are warm, as well as plants filling every available surface and crevice.
With a wide-ranging menu with a vegetarian focus, alongside incredible weekly specials, and one of the friendliest teams in Newcastle, Momo draws inspiration from many different cultures and cuisines to offer a diverse and nourishing dining experience. Next time you visit, our Crysalis must-eats are the Veggie Momos, Greenie Smoothie, and the Carrot Cake!
Next time you are seeking inner nourishment, visit Momo Wholefood at 227 Hunter St, Newcastle.
SACRED ART
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/sacredartbodypiercing/
Our sister store Sacred Art is Newcastle’s only member of The Association of Professional Piercers. A boutique body piercing and fine body jewellery studio, Sacred Art is situated at 275 Hunter St Newcastle. The studio operates by appointment only, creating a comfortable and calm environment from the moment you walk inside.
The interiors at Sacred Art tell a story of relaxed luxury, only emphasised by the jewellery from BVLA glimmering in the displays. BVLA is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of fine body jewellery, with a focus on handmade artisanal craftsmanship as well as environmentally responsible and ethical practices & utilising ethically sourced gems.
Owner, operator, and piercing extraordinaire Mick has built an impeccable reputation over the years for going above and beyond industry and health department standards, as well as customer expectations. Elevating piercing from a skill to a craft, Mick takes the consultation and piercing process seriously and his gentle manner creates a sense of friendliness and ease throughout the piercing journey.
To get in contact, book online at https://bookings.gettimely.com/sacredart/book
MONSOON LIVING
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/monsoonliving/
Pairing furniture rich in history with modern homewares, Monsoon Living is an East End icon featuring curated wares that’s focus lies on the little moments. Located a few doors down from Crysalis, if you have a keen eye, you will find some of Monsoon’s wares in our very own space! Tash Ireland, owner and visionary behind the magic that is Monsoon Living, blends both the contemporary and antique, focusing on bespoke pieces that have a story.
Nestled amongst the warmth of the exposed brick, contrasting with stark white rendered walls and a stunning ornate fireplace, you will find everything necessary for designing the modern considered home. With luxurious and textured pillows and linens, delicate candles and incense that invoke nostalgic moments, contemporary art prints and original art sourced from local artists, as well as divine one-off pieces, Tash’s eye for the sustainable, ethical, and downright charming are undeniable.
Also offering interior design and styling services, visit Monsoon Living in person at 174 King St, Newcastle or online at https://monsoonliving.com.au/
CHIEFLY EAST
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/chieflysandwiches
Located at 177 King St, Newcastle (a hop, skip and jump across the road from Crysalis), Chiefly East has officially changed the sandwich game. Established in 2018, the self-titled ‘Sandwich Monger’ developed a local cult following almost immediately. From breakfast muffins and BLTs to the famous Chiefly Rueben and their signature baguettes, Chiefly East has left no sandwich unturned in their quest to revamp the modern classic.
Now serving beers from local favourite and King St alumni Foghorn Brewery, and extending trading hours to evenings on weekends as well, we recommend booking in a seat in their courtyard for your weekend eats. Our Crysalis must-eats and consistent lunch favourites include The Newy Deli and Tuna Seinfeld baguettes!
Next time your stomach is grumbling, to book a table or order takeaway contact 0402 247 099 or visit the website https://www.chieflyeast.com/
FRINGE DWELLER
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/fringedweller_byginaermer
A staple amongst consciously minded local folk, Fringe Dweller is Newcastle’s go-to slow fashion label. Anchored in sustainability, founder, designer, and creator Gina Ermer’s passion for consciously created ethical fashion is evident upon witnessing her designs. Distinguished by the outstanding quality of linens, cotton, and silks, Gina has a unique eye for hand-creating timeless pieces that don’t harm the earth. You’ll often see her behind the sewing machine or helping a customer with fittings, always with her warm smile welcoming you to come inside.
A woman of many talents, Gina has also created a limited-edition collection of ceramic pendant lamps that are available exclusively at Monsoon Living and also hosts a curated selection of sustainable footwear, glasses, jewellery, and fashion in-house, as well as stunning one-off homewares.
Just a few doors up from Crysalis, Fringe Dweller is located at 170 King St, Newcastle next time you require your slow fashion fix, or you can find them online at https://fringe-dweller.com.au/
NAPOLI CENTRALE PIZZA BAR & POPOLO ARTISAN GELATERIA
Our second set of sister stores to feature, creator and owner Alfonso Muras has brought Italy to Newcastle! Relocating from Naples and making his way to Newcastle, the only things that were missing for Alfonso were authentic wood-fired pizza and handmade traditional gelato. With Napoli located at 173 King St and Popolo across the road at 172 King St, you will find people lining out the doors waiting to fill their tummies out front of both businesses on any given evening.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/napolicentralenewcastle/
Napoli Centrale (named after the main train station in Naples) boasts of some of the best pizza in Newcastle, demonstrating Alfonso’s expert training with traditional Neapolitan pizzamakers and is a tribute to both Naples and vera pizza (true pizza). The menu boasts of sumptuous pasta, gnocchi and lasagne, pizza by the metre (a must-try experience!), the freshest salads, and all the calzone and cannoli you could ever need. Our Crysalis must-eats are the Napoli Centrale and the Quattro Formaggi pizzas, as well as the Gnocchi with either porcini or black truffle.
To book a table at Napoli or order takeaway, call (02) 4023 2339 or visit http://www.napolicentrale.com.au
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/popologelateria/
Popolo (translating to the people) is Newcastle’s one-stop destination for authentic, handmade gelato. Having trained with master ice-cream makers in Italy, the people of Pololo have extensive expertise in the complex science and craftsmanship that is behind making gelato. Employing original Italian flavours and classic recipes, you can taste the passion and love that is poured into each scoop. Our Crysalis must-eats are the Pistachio Gelato and the Nutella Crepe!
To get your artisanal gelato fix, visit Popolo at 172 King St, Newcastle or visit their website at http://www.popologelateria.com.au/
Words by Lauren Beattie