Bentleigh postcode history: Thomas Bent, Centre Rd, cafes and culture
Bentleigh was once renowned for nothing more than its market gardens. But times have changed and now it is a superb suburb with something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at postcode 3204.
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Bentleigh is named after politician Sir Thomas Bent, which is perhaps not the best start for a suburb.
Although he held the prestigious title of Victorian Premier, he was also corrupt, leading to the phrase “Bent by name, bent by nature”.
Sir Thomas is fondly remembered these days for his roadside statue in nearby Brighton, which is quirkily dressed in footy gear around finals time every year.
After being created by Henry Dendy in 1841, the area was originally called East Brighton before being renamed Bentleigh in 1908.
Once renowned for its market gardens, today it is far more suburban and considered gentile.
It is home to around 16,000 people and well represented by young families and folk from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Centred around Centre Rd there are over 250 businesses along the long strip of shops including several supermarkets, the big banks, clothing stores, gift shops, salons and barbers.
It also has a thriving cafe, restaurant and dining culture, as well as several watering holes.
Alongside the Bentleigh RSL, which has won awards for its community club spirit, there is the traditional Boundary Hotel just down the road.
Catering to a younger clientele both Sonder Bar and Wolfe and Molone offer a more eclectic drinking experience.
If malls are more your thing Southland is mere minutes away, as is DFO and retail monolith Chadstone.
One notable scissor-wielder is Bruno Crivelli, who pre-COVID ran his Jasper Rd barber shop for nearly 60 years.
The Collingwood tragic always had a tale to tell to his male clientele, giving customers a new look, and sometimes a new outlook on life.
Bentleigh Railway Station was one of the first to be grade-separated under the current State Government’s massive level-crossing removal program.
A small section of the suburb is home to a second site, Patterson Railway Station, which was well ahead of its time having been grade-separated decades ago.
Bentleigh has great access to the CBD to the north, around 13km away, and the Mornington Peninsula to the south, along the scenic Nepean Highway.
It also has a plethora of parks, good schools, is just a few clicks from the Instagram-friendly Brighton beach and a short Uber ride to the night-life of St Kilda, pandemic permitting.
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