From a relic of the Past to an Icon of the Future

After sitting derelict and discarded for over a decade, the once beating heart of the East Bairnsdale community known as ‘The Little Shop’ amongst locals, needed some serious love and resuscitation to breathe new life into the EAST.

The original EAST {END} HANDY STORE sold lollies, newspapers, Fireworks and all of the convenience items that connect us to the memories of childhood transactions with hard saved pocket money now lost with the surge of Supermarkets and Service Stations destroying the tangible interactions with a shopkeeper who knows your name.

After an extensive renovation, remaining true to the roots of the 1923 Art Deco General Store, the EAST is the reimagined beating heart of the Community in a fashion that can be shared and enjoyed for the needs of today. Showcasing the produce of arguably one of the best producing regions in the country, we aim to connect locals and visitors alike with the seasonal, preserved and fermented offerings of East Gippsland through an informal dining experience without the pomp and ceremony of fine dining establishments, but replaced with the tangible hospitality of the EAST.

This is a culmination of Chef and Owner Josh Thomas’s worldly travels, interior and garden design experience, years as a high-end Butler, working with some of Australia’s best Chefs/Cheesemakers and lengthy career in all aspects of the Hospitality industry.

We just ask you to arrive, sit anywhere you feel most at home, think about what drink you need and trust in the evolving experience. Arrive with high expectations and we will do our best to ensure they are exceeded on all levels.

Hope to see you in the EAST soon!