Discover Compton Street

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Posted 2014-07-27 by Jenny Esots ⇒ follow

Adelaide has many hidden little streets, cottages, heritage buildings and forgotten places.

Seeking out a new place can result in walking many miles. Recently I was determined to find Bliss Organic Garden Café after many recommendations, and in the process Compton Street.

It is located just off Gouger Street, a minute's walk from Adelaide's Central Market.

It seems like a step back in time, with the little cottages, miniature verandas and decaying and weathered old shop frontages.

It is worth the wander off the usual market track for three reasons.

Firstly Bliss Organic, secondly FELTpace gallery and thirdly the charm of the old heritage buildings. It does have more modern designed buildings side by side, which only serve to contrast the timeless appeal of the small terraces, in whatever condition they are in.

At number 12
FELTspace Gallery

FELTspace is a gallery space that is run by artists that supports developing and emerging artists. It presents experimental, and diverse exhibitions and public programs. Openings occur on the first Wednesday of every month.

FELTspace is supported by the South Australian Government through ArtsSA

At number 7
Bliss Organic Garden Café Bliss Organic Garden Cafe has food to nourish the body and soul.

The cafe is one of the few that specialises in vegan foods.
Bliss Organic advertise fresh and home-made vegan food made from organic ingredients. They also stock a variety of organic, fair trade teas & coffee and freshly made smoothies including raw drinks.

I would have liked to try their famous bliss burger, but it was out of stock! A very popular item on the menu. But there were plenty of other items to tempt me.

The décor is retro cottage, home like. With plenty of reading material to keep you happy. Daily papers and magazines. Plus books for sale.

Historical Compton Street

Compton Street bears a connection with the Adelaide politician Bert Edwards (1887 – 1963), who owned tearooms here.

The Bert Edwards Tea Rooms were located on the east side of Compton Street, Adelaide. The picture above was taken in February 1912. Bert Edwards, on the left, and an employee, are standing in the doorway. Rowntree's Pastilles and other sweets are displayed in the window. A two-up school was conducted in the rear of the premises.

The north side of the shop is 25 yards from Gouger Street.

It is a pity there are not more pictures of this nature to look back on from Compton street. The details of the life and times of characters, a street and neighbourhood soon becoming lost.

There is little chance of this happening today, with the relentless documenting and photographing of every moment.

Enjoy your wander down Compton street, whether to imagine yesteryear, indulge in some innovative art or scrumptious vegan food.