The Atelier Stay
Mutual Store Atelier
A character-filled city loft, tucked quietly within the historic Mutual Store... right in the beating heart of Melbourne's laneway culture.Outside, Degraves Street hums. Espresso by morning, wine and pizza after dark, with Melbourne’s laneways, stunning historical arcades and city bustle unfolding all around you.
THE LANEWAY QUARTER
In the Heart of Melbourne
Set within Melbourne's historic Mutual Store... whose story began in 1872. Mutual Store Atelier is a character-filled loft where hints of the building's historic bones meet a warm, considered interior.
Located in the heart of the city's famous laneway culture.Step outside to the bustle of Degraves Street, with its espresso bars, trattorias and late-night glow. Flinders Street Station sits conveniently opposite, while Melbourne's historic arcades, hidden bars, restaurants and winding laneways unfold just moments away.And yet, tucked quietly within the building, the Atelier offers an unexpected place to retreat from it all.
Why Atelier?
Stay Slowly
Atelier is a French word traditionally used to describe an artist's studio — a place of creativity, character and thoughtful living.For us, it represents a more curious way to experience Melbourne. Wander the laneways, linger over espresso, browse old arcades, discover a hidden bar — then come home, close the door and slow things down.A place to revive, sip, and stay slowly.
Thoughtfully Curated
The Apartment
Mutual Store Atelier brings warmth and character to an extraordinary little piece of Melbourne history.Set within the historic Mutual Store, the loft pairs the building’s industrial bones with rich colour, vintage pieces, books and collected details... a playful nod to the past, with all the comforts of today.Designed for couples, solo travellers or friends exploring the city together, the apartment unfolds across two levels, with an open living and dining space below and a Queen bedroom retreat on the mezzanine above.
Rest Well
Above the City
Upstairs overlooking the loft, the generous Queen bedroom offers room to settle in and make yourself at home... with a dedicated desk for quiet mornings or a little work, ample wardrobe space, and a peaceful sense of separation from the city outside.
Hints of the Mutual Store’s historic bones remain quietly woven into the space — little reminders of the building’s life before ours.Rest well. Degraves Street will be waiting in the morning
Mutual Store Atelier
Stay
Thank you for visiting.Whether you're planning a weekend of laneway wandering, a Melbourne food escape, or simply looking for somewhere with a little more character, we hope you've enjoyed discovering Mutual Store Atelier.Come for the city. Stay for the stories. The laneways are waiting.A place to revive, sip, and stay slowly.
Guest Guide
Welcome to Mutual Store Atelier
Welcome.We're delighted you're here.Mutual Store Atelier is our little piece of Melbourne... a character-filled loft within the historic Mutual Store, thoughtfully put together with collected pieces, vintage finds with the comforts of home.Historic buildings come with stories, character and the occasional quirk. We think that's part of the pleasure of staying somewhere with a past, and we're continually adding thoughtful touches to make your stay more comfortable and memorable.Step outside and Degraves Street is waiting. Step back inside, put your feet up, pour a little nightcap and make yourself at home.
We hope you love this part of Melbourne as much as we do, and leave with a few stories of your own.
Revive, sip, and stay slowly.
Guest Guide
Arriving & Location
Where You'll StayMUTUAL STORE ATELIER
Apartment 311
9 Degraves Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
(In the heart of the laneway, with a secure foyer entry beside Clementines)A little history. A little indulgence. A lot of Melbourne.Nestled above Melbourne's iconic Degraves Street, Mutual Store Atelier is a peaceful loft retreat within a beautifully converted nineteenth-century department store.Step outside into the city's celebrated laneway culture, with cafés, restaurants and Flinders Street Station just moments from your door.Return upstairs to a quiet haven, rich in character and old Melbourne charm.We hope your stay is filled with memorable moments.
The perfect central escape to explore Melbourne laneways, moments from the famous Block Arcade, Fed square and NGV.
If your visit allows, venture a little further. The Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Dandenong Ranges all make wonderful day trips.Your Melbourne story starts here.
Did you know?The Mutual Store was Melbourne's very first department store.
A little HistoryEstablished in 1872, the Mutual Store operated as a profit-sharing cooperative between shareholders and staff.Following a devastating fire in 1891, the store was rebuilt in the grand architectural style you see today.
Tea Rooms Above the City
In 1909, the store opened fifth-floor tea rooms, offering sweeping views over the Yarra towards the bay.A string band played each afternoon as shoppers gathered for refreshments high above the bustling streets below.The store continued trading until 1965, later becoming home to the Council of Adult Education before its transformation into residential apartments.A little piece of Melbourne's retail and social history, now your home away from home.Degraves Street
From forgotten laneway to Melbourne icon.Once a modest service laneway, Degraves Street underwent a remarkable transformation in 1992 when Mary and Pompeo Ursini opened Café Andiamo.Bringing Italian coffee culture and alfresco dining to a previously overlooked corner of the city, they helped inspire the vibrant café scene we know today.What began with a handful of small businesses has become one of Melbourne's most beloved laneways, filled with cafés, independent shops and European charm.And it's all just outside your door.
Guest Guide
Wifi & Essentials
Settle In...
Before you head out to explore, here are a few helpful details to get you comfortably settled.Wifi
Network: MutualStoreAtelier
Password: StaySlowly311*
Check-in time 3pm
Check-out time: 10am
Just reach out if you need a moment more.Emergency Contact: 000
For General assistance: Your hostConvenience & Grocery
Convenience: Ezymart 258 Flinders Ln- 1 min walk at the end of the laneway.
Grocery: Coles Central - Cnr Elizabeth & Flinders St - 2 mins walk (basic grocery)
Supermarket & Shopping:
QV Melbourne (recommended for a wider range) - Every tram Nth on Swanston.
Bottle Store
- BWS Young & Jackson- 1 Swanston St (Cnr Flinders St) - 1 min walk /150m
Speciality Wine Store
Le Tuffeau - The Nicholas Building, Lv 2/37 Swanston St - 3 mins Walk / 220m
Building Amenities
Secure Entry & Lift AccessThe building features secure entry and lift access to Level 3.Please note that the apartment itself has an internal staircase leading to the upstairs bedroom.LaundryA washing machine is provided within the apartment for your convenience.WorkspaceA dedicated desk and workspace are available upstairs, ideal for catching up on a little work during your stay.
TV & Steaming
Enjoy the Smart TV and your favourite streaming services.Simply sign in to your preferred service using your own account, and remember to sign out before departure.
Heating & Cooling
The apartment features split-system air conditioning for year-round comfort.Use the remote control to adjust the temperature and fan settings to your preference.Please switch off the system when leaving the apartment.Slow Mornings
Electric Blockout blinds are provided for your comfort. Use the white control to adjust the blinds as desired.
Nespresso Essenza & Tea
The apartment features a complimentary selection of specialty tea's, along with an espresso machine and easy to use coffee pods.
To use the Nespresso:
1. Add water to the tank at the back of the Essenza
2. Lift the capsule flap, and insert a pod in the holder. Press down to lock in place.
3. Place your cup under the spout.
4. Press the small 'cup' icon for an espresso or large for a lungo and wait for it to heat.
5. Once your selection stops flashing, press again to pour your brew.
Guest Guide
Atelier Sounds & Playlists
A soundtrack for slower moments.
Record Player & Bluetooth
We've uncovered a couple of various antique 78" records you can enjoy with just the lift of a needle. Take a scroll down history lane...you never know what you'll find!
If you're changing albums to a 33 1/3", just gently adjust the speed switch.
Thanks for taking care of our special little finds.Bluetooth speaker
Prefer your own playlist?
Simply turn the switch on the record player ensuring it flashes blue, then connect your device to 'BR', turn the volume and enjoy.Now enjoy your favorite tunes, or get into the Atelier vibe with suggested playlists.
Atelier Sounds
A little soundtrack for your Melbourne stay.From smoky jazz lounges and vintage vinyl to French café melodies and golden-era favourites, we've curated a collection of sounds to suit the mood.Pour a whisky, put on a record, or simply settle in and enjoy.Playlists.Slow Sip & Settle in - Listen >
Cafe Italiano - Listen >
Degraves After Dark Going out - Listen >
The Nightcap - Listen >
Rainy day Jazz- Listen >
Guest Guide
Dine & Tipple
One of the great pleasures of staying at Mutual Store Atelier is stepping straight into Melbourne's celebrated laneway dining scene.From the morning hum of Degraves Street to Italian trattorias, hidden cafés and atmospheric bars, some of the city's most memorable experiences are just beyond your door.Here are a few favourites to get you started.
Check out the Melbourne Broadsheet for the latest hot spots.
Start your Morning
Degraves Espresso (A Melbourne laneway institution, full of character.)Café Andiamo (Coffee, Italian charm and a front-row seat to Degraves Street.)A Little Italian
- Café Andiamo (A Degraves Street favourite for coffee, pizza and aperitivo.)
- Il Tempo (Fresh pasta and pizza, just steps from your door.)
- Brunetti Oro (Italian pastries, gelato and a little late-night indulgence on Flinders Lane.)A Melbourne Institution- Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar (Step back in time at this beloved old-school Italian coffee bar on Bourke Street.)Stroll & DiscoverCentre Place (Tiny cafés, street art and quintessential Melbourne laneway atmosphere.)Block Arcade – Hopetoun Tearooms (An elegant Melbourne tradition.)Something Fresh & Gluten FreeSeedling Café (100% gluten-free, with fresh salads, wholesome lunches and vegan options. 275 Flinders Lane.)A Local Lunch TipMelbourne Winery (A lovely Flinders Lane lunch stop. Look out for their weekday Express Lane Lunch, with a drink included.)
Melbourne Favourites
- Chin Chin
(Still one of Melbourne's icons. Expect a wait.. or try Cookie, or Hochi Mama)- Rice Paper Scissors
(Fresh, vibrant and ideal for sharing. In iconic Hardware lane).- The George on Collins
(Just moments away. A beautiful setting for cocktails and modern Asian cuisine.)A Local Tip
Popular laneway restaurants fill quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, so booking ahead is recommended.
If you love Whiskey
Enjoyed the little pour of Starward?
Visit their Port Melbourne distillery for tastings and tours.
Or if Gin's your thing.. head to the historic Lil Lon Distillery for a pour with a storied past.
After Dark
This is where Melbourne comes alive.- Beneath Driver Lane
(Drinks, Cocktails and blues)- Bijou
(Our favourite wine bar nearby.)- Paris Cat Jazz Club
(For a little soul-cup fill)
Guest Guide
Theatre, Events & Culture
Melbourne is a city made for wandering.From grand galleries and historic theatres to hidden laneways, live music and world-class sporting events, there's always something waiting to be discovered.Local Tip
Looking to be inspired?
Start at Federation Square for art, film and exhibitions, or wander up Swanston Street to Melbourne Town Hall.The Visitor Hub is a wonderful stop for local recommendations, event information and booking assistance. Keep an eye out for comedy, concerts and performances while you're exploring, you might discover something unexpected.For the latest happenings, visit What's On Melbourne.
Fancy something fanciful?
Many of Melbourne's best theatres offer last-minute tickets.If you're feeling spontaneous, try Last Minute Tix
Or pop by the theatre box office on the day.
Arts, Film & Exhibitions
Federation Square is home to ACMI, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and the Koorie Heritage Trust.Across the river, NGV International offers another beautiful afternoon of art and discovery.Theatre & Live MusicMelbourne's celebrated theatre scene is still within easy reach, including the Regent, Athenaeum, Princess and Arts Centre Melbourne.For something more intimate, discover the city's jazz clubs, live music venues and independent performances.Within a short stroll you'll also find Her Majesty's Theatre, Princess Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne, making it easy to enjoy a show a short stroll away.
To see what's playing during your stay, visit 'What's On Melbourne'.
Books & Beautiful SpacesBrowse the magnificent State Library Victoria, seek out rare treasures at the Antiquarian Bookseller, or discover Hill of Content, one of Melbourne's charming independent bookshops.Just opposite the Atelier, Flinders Street Station has a secret above the crowds: a magnificent former ballroom (pictured).Originally opened as a concert hall in 1910, it became one of Melbourne's much-loved social dancing venues during the 1930s and beyond.Though not ordinarily open to visitors, it's a lovely reminder of the city's rich cultural past and occasionally holds stunning exhibitions.Sport & Major EventsFrom the Australian Open and Formula One Grand Prix to AFL and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the city hosts an extraordinary calendar of events.Check What's happening during your stay and enjoy the atmosphere.
Until Next Time
We loved having you visit
Thank you for choosing the Mutual Store Atelier.We hope your stay has been filled with wonderful Melbourne moments, from bustling laneways and leisurely Italian coffees to quiet mornings, vintage records and a well-earned nightcap.If you've enjoyed your stay, we'd love to welcome you back.Until next time.✦Revive • Sip • Stay Slowly