A new heart for Melbourne’s Little Italy

 

King & Godfree is an all-in-one hospitality, retail and office precinct within an historic 1870s building located on the corner of Lygon and Faraday Streets in the heart of Carlton. Accessed via a web of tucked-away paths, elevators and staircases, we’re a unique multi-venue composite of Italian culture designed by Australia’s leading architects and designers.

 

Originally a traditional but innovative grocery store bought and run by our grandfather Carlo Valmorbida in the 1950s, today King & Godfree houses a new generation of businesses including Johnny’s Green Room, Agostino, K&G Deli, Pidapipo, Di Stasio Pizzeria, Grown Alchemist, Studio Round, Universal Music, Karla Dawes Press Office, Jacaval, and more. We have a large vegetable garden too, servicing the kitchens and reducing waste in the building.

 

Our adjoining office building, Faraday House, was originally a purpose-built studio for 3XY Radio in the early 1960’s. Channeling the free thinking creative spirit of 3XY, we’ve replaced the radio station with a hive of creative offices and co-working spaces for like-minded companies in the design, arts, music and communications industries.

 

We’re still a family affair. Cousins Jamie Valmorbida and Luca Sbardella worked together on the transformation of their grandfather’s King & Godfree business – one of Australia’s oldest licensed grocers that not only served the local immigrant population but helped introduce then-exotic delicacies like parmesan cheese and olive oil to Melbourne’s palate.

 

K&G’s long history is all about changing and adapting to meet the needs of our community and our customers. For more than 150 years we’ve been part of the Carlton community that has helped define who we are and what we do. Come and discover what’s new.