A GROUP of cafes catering to an influx of younger residents has helped turn a southwestern thoroughfare into a foodie destination — and boosted local shops in the process.

Stretching from Daws Rd in Melrose Park to Cross Rd in Clarence Gardens, Winston Ave has transformed over the past few years as young people have moved into the area, attracted by lower house prices than areas further east.

The CoastCity Weekly visited the strip this week as part of News Corp’s iChooseSA campaign, which aims to highlight business success stories and encourage people to shop locally.

MasterChef contestant Rose Adam, her sister Haefa and their brother George opened The Middle Store at 118 Winston Ave, Melrose Park, in May last year.

The small cafe serves Middle Eastern-style food made with local produce.

“We’ve tried to create a real community feel which reflects well with our locals,” Haefa says.

“We have people ask where our milk comes from and we like to promote our neighbours.”

One of those neighbours is florist Jasmine’s Flowers, which Elisabeth Robson bought last year and “completely gutted”.

She added “boutique” bouquets while still catering for mourners heading to the nearby Centennial Park cemetery.

She said there was no doubt Winston Ave was becoming a trendier shopping strip.

“I’ve had a few people come in and say Winston Ave is really coming along, particularly younger people in the 30s bracket who are just buying their first homes,” Mrs Robson says.

“They’re keen to see that vibe happening.”

One of the first new cafes to move into the area was The Little Fig, which opened in 2010 at 90b Winston Ave, Melrose Park.

Owner Hayley Ryan says Winston Ave is busy enough to attract a large number of customers without being noisy and congested like nearby South Rd.

“Our customer base is really local and really lovely,” Miss Ryan says.

“They come back regularly.

“People want to go to a small business and we know what they’ll have.”

Next door is Creative Mosaics, which sells mosaic art and equipment and holds lessons in the craft of smashing tiles.

Owner Sally Alexander says her shop, The Little Fig and Totally Wrapped Gifts work well together.

For example The Little Fig opens later when the other two shops hold classes or sales.

“I think we’re in a great block of shops — we complement one another offering different things,” Mrs Alexander says.

Real estate agents say younger buyers are attracted to the area as it is more affordable than the eastern side of the Mitcham and Unley districts.

Ray White Daw Park agent Brian Wellington recently advertised a house on Winston Ave as close to “up-and-coming trendy shops on Winston Ave”.

“There’s a real trend to that community-style living where you can walk to you local cafe,” Mr Wellington says.

North of Cross Rd, Winston Ave becomes East Ave through Clarence Park and then Aroha Tce and Leah St in Forestville.

Tim and Sharleen Salmon opened the vegan Cherry Darlings Bakehouse on Aroha Tce in 2014.

Mr Salmon said people often drove past on their commute and came in another time.

“This is a big through-street but they recognise it enough that they’ll come back later,” he says.

Trendy cafes and restaurants

Vinh Xuan Pholicious, 54 Winston Ave, Clarence Gardens

The Little Fig, 90b Winston Ave, Melrose Park

Rice Bar, 90f Winston Ave, Melrose Park

The Middle Store, 118 Winston Ave, Melrose Park

And just a bit further north:

Dear Daisy, 66 Leah St, Forestville

Cherry Darlings Bakehouse, 5 Aroha Tce, Forestville

Sublime, 55 East Ave, Millswood

Carnevale Coffee, 114-118 East Ave, Clarence Park