King & Godfree Deli
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Many hospitality royals have reigned on Lygon Street. But none have outlasted King & Godfree: the jewel in Carlton’s crown for more than 150 years and one of Australia’s oldest licensed grocers.
Owners Jamie Valmorbida and Luca Sbarbella are shuttering the heritage-listed spot for renovation on July 28, 2024.
“Since our grandfather took over the business in 1955, our family has always been fuelled by creativity,” Sbardella said in a statement.
“We feel it’s time for us to evolve, just as our Nonno had to adapt to meet consumer demands. We’re ready for what’s next for this beautiful and historic space.”
It’s not the first facelift for the iconic corner spot. In 2018, it reopened after a three-year, multimillion-dollar redevelopment that made it an all-in-one dining, deli, retail and office precinct. also included the addition of rooftop bar Johnny’s Green Room.
The latest round might have been a long time coming. In 2022, Luisa Valmorbida, Carlo’s daughter, told Broadsheet: “The deli is really not profitable, we keep it open because it’s part of the history.”
The King & Godfree Deli, Cafe and Cellar will be closed until 2025, as well as Agostino. Johnny’s Green Room, recently renovated, will remain open and accessible via King & Godfree Lane.
Features
In 2015 the heritage-listed King & Godfree building on the corner of Carlton’s Lygon and Faraday streets began a dramatic renovation. It was always a hub of Italian deli goods, coffee, food and groceries – and well know for being a pioneer of bringing Italian food and goods to Australians – but when it reopened in December 2018 it expanded and became home to three different businesses: King & Godfree Espresso Bar, Johnny’s Green Room, a rooftop bar; and this deli and grocer, which is an expanded and overhauled version of what this landmark Carlton corner site was always about: being a microcosm of an Italian market.
The space feels timeless rather than on trend. Maintaining the heritage of the building formed a large part of the design brief. The King & Godfree crest, removed during renovation, has been rebuilt by a terrazzo maker.
At this grocer you’ll find artisan cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy in London; roast meats and salumi; take-home meals; and shelves upon shelves of dried pasta, house-made pasta sauces, Burd Eggs, Campari jam, panettone, nougat, and Piedmontese chocolate wafers. And coffee, stacked tins of Sirena tuna, salads to go, specialty dried goods, veggies and roasted meats.
Contact Details 
Phone: (03) 9347 1619
Website: kingandgodfree.com
We do not seek or accept payment from the cafes, restaurants, bars and shops listed in the Directory – inclusion is at our discretion. Venue profiles are written by independent freelancers paid by Broadsheet.
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