A very peaceful, calm cafe but still has vibe. It is great that you have kept the history in your remake. The coffee is probably the best I have had in Melb. The Dukkah eggs are so good I had to have them both visits. Also had to buy the muffin to take away as I tried that and it was delicious. A must try!
Amazing customer service. Was greeted as soon as I walked in the door. A lot of food choice on the menu. I ordered the bacon and egg roll and it was fantastic. I highly recommend the st kilda dispensary for anybody. It caters to everyone from dining in or take away coffees.
I've just found your page after 3 years everyday drinking your coffee and talking about life! Best cafe in town, without doubt, makes my drive to work complete x
I dream of this place during the week and get my ass down there on Saturdays. Stunning aesthetics. Best coffee in Melbourne.
The St Kilda Dispensary is such a creative concept being a medical themed cafe. It's always nice going for brunch somewhere a little unique and this place definitely is.
I've been here twice now on the weekend and its a very relaxed vibe which is nice. It's good sitting outdoors too. I ordered the Dukka Eggs on both visits as I enjoyed them so much the first time. There is so much smashed avo on this dish and it has a slightly tangy, lemony flavour which I really like. However I just found the toast was way too crunchy the second time, I found it really hard to cut through which kind of spoiled the dish for me a little.
I'll definitely be back to try something else on the menu next time!
Cafes with a funky vibe are abundant throughout Melbourne, but they don't get much better than the St Kilda Dispensary. With it's medical/ pharmacy theme, this cute cafe has the coolest decor and the perfect finishing touches. It really is a fun venue, and it's so easy to feel relaxed here.
Excellent, friendly service and amazing coffee brings me back here constantly, as does it's convenient location. I have had some amazing food here, and can always count on some gorgeous baked goods to tempt me. Sitting in the window seat on a sunny day is a great way to pass some time, and the fact that it's popular with the locals shows that I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Quality! It Shouldnt Be That Hard! Love A Wonderful Mouth Full Of Wholesome FOOD!
+5
Is is what I love about Melbourne. Is unique cafes done well. It’s atmosphere is amazing. The Artdeco throughout is transcending.
It’s like a hospital, pharmacy done very well. From the moment I walked into this cafe I was taken away. There is nothing worse when you walk into a cafe and the ambience takes over the quality of food or service! Well this is definitely not one of those.
The food is fresh full of flavour, and made to perfection. It’s table service. The staff are very attentive just like the dr ordered for you to have some self indulgence. We ordered two juices to being. My partner ordered the dispensary dose, I ordered dr phill. They both where amazing.
My partner had roast chicken sandwich and he liked it so much, the chicken was tender and juicy, well balanced with rocket, mayonnaise and onion, between a crunchy bread cover with herbs,
I had the herb roasted mushrooms 🍄. It was a crunchy sour dough bread with some goats cheese and a perfect poached eggs. The mushrooms where full of flavour.
The serves are massive here. the presentation suites there then so much. I highly recommend this cafe.
Great theme throughout the cafe and menu that matched the name. The fritters were a bit dry but the avo helped balance out the dish. Loved the cold drip!
The Wandering Reviewer
+4
My first time here at really enjoyed it. We came for lunch and I had the baked eggs. Very good. My friend just had a chai latte which she said was great. What I most enjoyed about this place was the funkyness (is that a word) of the decor along with a 1950's playlist that will have anyone's toe-tapping.
Menu is comprehensive and portion sizes were good. Did perve on what other people were eating and it all looked great. Staff were so lovely and helpful. Quick to take out order. Dietaries catered for - just let the staff know. Takeaway available.
Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Pram/stroller accessible. Parking is okay.
Been here twice in the last year. The first time for lunch during the week. My partner and I had the New Yorker and Spicy Piadina. Both very tasty and came out quickly. Coffee was great and when my partner ordered a second coffee which didn’t come out and just when we were about to pay the staff had realised and gave him a free coffee to take away. The second time we came back was over the weekend for brunch. Had the baked eggs and my partner had the New Yorker since he loved it the first time. Food came out a little slower than last time but it was a busy morning. The baked eggs were delish. A place I’d go back to try the other dishes :) love the dispensary theme. highly recommended!
This is a very cute cafe with vintage clinic decoration. I love the ambience throughout the cafe and the soft background music. We ordered chai, hot chocolate, the roast chicken with flat bread and the New Yorker. The food were amazing!! Love the pastrami!! However, I would appreciate the hot chocolate more if the chocolate taste is stronger. I will come back again for something different. For sure!
The St Kilda Dispensary has great coffee and very fun decor! The “Dispensary Dose” juice was an absolute lifesaver. Definitely keen for another visit soon!
Love, love - LOVE this cafe! I adore everything about this cafe, the nostalgia I felt walking in with the different medical and dental equipment. The cafe is cool, so funky and all the pieces work well without it looking tacky. Flowers out the front as you'd see at a hospital - so quirky. Old style 40's/50's music playing in the background, this is a hidden gem.
The staff were fantastic, menu was good with a variety to choose from both for food and drinks.
Coffees and chai latte spot on along with harissa beans and the roasted mushrooms. I will most definitely be back.
The St Kilda Dispensary dates back to 1940, where it originally housed doctors rooms, a pharmacy and even a dentist! The medical theme is still evident today with detail upon detail reflecting the buildings heritage.
From the menu titled "Todays Prescription", we ordered the Corn Fritters (w/ salmon, avocado, feta & beetroot horseradish cream) and the traditional Bubble and Squeak (w/ ham, egg & tomato chutney). Both dishes were presented beautifully with little beakers as the sauce jugs! And absolutely delicious. Although I did add a touch of salt to the fritters.
The Malted Chocolate Milkshake and Iced Coffee were also fab-u-lous! Overall, this small cafe is absolutely charming and most definitely worth a visit any day of the week :)
Friendly staffs, good atmosphere, easy to find out. Cappuccino is my favorite, but you should try food also, because all well priced especially sandwiches.
If you wanted to see a themed cafe done well.. check this place out, absolutely awesome! Old school Dispensary theme with awesome food and service to match. I can't remember the last time I was this impressed with the attention to detail in a cafe.
Small but very stylish cafe with good food, delicious coffee and very friendly staff. We went for the corn fritters, bubble&squeak and a muffin and they were all really tasty. The smoothies are awesome too! The only downside is the rarity of veggie options on the menu.
The corn fritters with salmon, avocado and beetroot horseradish cream is one of the great breakfasts. Coffee and service are pretty damn good too.
I love this cafe so much I specifically came back on my 2nd trip to Melbourne, after we'd found it by chance the first time.
Decked out in old school medical and dental paraphernalia it's busting at the seams with character, perfect for a medical geek like me. But it's not just a novelty cafe, the food and coffee is always delicious too. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the cherry on top of a great cafe.
Quirky, themed cafe that I'm not sure how I've missed this long.
Coffee/eggs/sandwich/smoothie and cake all delish.
Try the harissa beans!
Very cute little cafe. Enjoyed the corn fritters (bacon option) which was tasty, and generous portion. Lots of yummy options on menu. Coffee was good too.
I've been living close to this place for ages but never been in! Definitely glad I did!
Dropped by for a quick brunch on a Sunday morning. Wasn't too busy but there were a few people around. Staff were friendly and the food was good. Not a big menu but they've got a good range of breakfast options and muffins etc.
Rated the coffee. The decor is pretty cool too. Would recommend if in the neighbourhood.
Corn fritter Avo smash with bacon... amazing
Great coffee great service
Cannot fault the staff were friendly great little hidden gem on the main road across from town hall
The appearance of this cafe is gorgeous - all the "dispensary" themed historic decor gives it a great quirky personality with feeling too try-hard. Delicious coffee (All Press). Friendly staff. Interesting fancy menu but also accommodated my fussy kids with a plain poached egg. Even though it has a polished finish, it's not too la-di-dah ... the local garbage collectors stopped in for their takeaways too! 😄 Definitely highly recommended.
This place is amazing!! ❤️ Its themed as an old fashioned pharmacy, i love it!! I had so much fun walkig around and looking and taking photos of everything!! I love places that put in such attention to detail. Everywhere i look i could see something cool funny or interesting!
And then the food! Omg! I ordered the New Yorker. It was delicious!! One of my fav places now :D
An extremely charming cafe, it's very small so good luck in trying to get a table as very popular. As a porridge lover I had no choice but to go for it. When it was served to me I thought wow, looks great and tasted good with its rhubarb, pears, honey and toasted almonds and extra milk which I appreciated. Service here is very good and all round an excellent cafe.
I'm a sucker for a good theme and this cafe absolutely nails it. Everywhere you look here different ornaments from years gone by all medically themed. But this isn't the only good thing about this cafe. The coffee is absolutely divine. On this lovely morning I had the corn fitters which were accompanied by generous servings of avo, bacon, tomatoes and a poached egg. Which all mix perfectly well together. I'm looking forward to going again, it's what the doctor ordered!
Great coffee. Great location. Yummy breakfast menu. Nice and cosy atmosphere with communal tables or benches. Ricotta breakfast is delicious and fresh.
When you walk in here, it is as if you walk into a time capsule. I didnt know if i was here to eat breaky or to visit an old school chemist. So fantastic. The food is really yummy. And the juice served in beakers is a nice touch. Its a small space and the chairs could be a little more comfy but the service is top shelf.
Popped in here for a quick coffee. Really cool fit out. Drive past all the time meaning to stop. Much more seating inside than expected. Super casual friendly service. Coffee was excellent. Will be back to try the food. The cakes and treats looked amazing too
I almost don't want to review this little gem because it's my new local favourite and it's not overly crowded during the week at this stage. But to give it justice I have to say it's a winner!
Great coffee, great quality food. The cafe is small but certainly has the goods. If your after a take away brew or a spot for a fresh brunch then definitely worth a crack. Just make sure you save me a seat if you see me down there!
Went there hoping I could get just a regular scrambled eggs with side of avo, but they didn't offer that which was very disappointing. None the less, I had the trifle which was really yum. Heaps of granola and nice vanilla yoghurt with berries at the bottom. The place is really funky with juices coming out in test tube glasses.
The menu was very cool!
This cafe is cute and I love the atmosphere. The food is good but not great. I had the corn fritters and they were just missing that wow factor. They have an amazing array of cakes though but they can be slightly pricey. Overall I wouldn't rush to go back but it definitely deserves a try!
Fantastic place, great ambiance, interiors and food! Coffee is lovely too! Love the medicine theme with the decor and menu. Cash only though.
Great cafe, good coffee and cakes and also food. A little small in there on the weekend, when all the tables are full. Agree with others that no eftpos is annoying. We often don't go there just because we don't want to backtrack to a bank. We usually end up at Finn instead which is close by and also great, and takes card!
Love this place! Quirky and inviting decor, interesting history retained so well, such friendly staff and smashing coffee! Our party of 4 really enjoyed their food too - trying the dukkah eggs, and the thyme mushroom and goats cheese special. We are from the other side of the freeway and tend to stay on that side purely for convenience but will make the hike over for this brunch joint!!
Im a frequent visitor to get take away coffee never once have i been disappointed
Allpress and these guys
the perfect combination ....
Thanx.
Very well decorated! Very good ambience and very cosy during a very cold winter day. Excellent service! Waiter very helpful and knowledgeable... Coffee very good and food good... Will certainly go back.
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Kristy is a coffee goddess!!
My mother always told me if you had talent you didn't need a gimmick. The St Kilda Dispensary is a beautifully designed and unique cafe venue which provides more of an experience than a gimmick!! The coffee is out-of/this-world good and consistent which is KEY! My partner and I are history buffs and love everything about how Kristy has single-handedly brought this venue to life!! We are even lucky enough to have some medical-related items displayed within the cafe!
The food is excellent and again, consistent to a military level!! The menu is versatile and brings unique touches to crowd favourites such as the golden brown corn fritters, chorizo baked eggs, and avocado smash!! Even if you're a classic "eggs on toast" type you're guaranteed to be enthralled by this menu.
The fresh cakes and pastries are dangerously delicious! It's hard to resist one of the crispy cinnamon donuts with syringes of salted caramel but even harder to share!! I'm a broke uni student but I always make sure to tip the excellent and attentive staff!!
Yes, the St Kilda Dispensary is sadly, cash only, HOWEVER very worth the effort of getting cash out on the way!! We've been regulars here since we moved in to the area and it only gets better!! Kristy really knows what she's doing and it's clear that every aspect of your experience at the venue has been carefully thought-out, so if it's cash-only I guarantee there's a practical reason behind it! (Sometimes venues can't get a signal, don't have access to electricity behind the counter, don't want to have to pass the EFTPOS machine fees on to the consumer, or plain don't like the process! Get over it!)
So grab your money tin and get yourself to the Dispensary THIS WEEKEND!!! I'll be the one in red glasses with a soy latte! Guaranteed to not disappoint!!
Great staff. Tasty menu. Incredible corn fritters. Bring your doctor friends for a chuckle. Ambiance in abundance. Lots of fun. Must remember to bring cash. Cash only.
Very unique cafe with vintage pharmacy decor. Great coffee and food. I love their halloumi burger. The problem is it tastes different depending on who’s in the kitchen. I feel it’s getting smaller in size… Anway, I like it all the same!
This place is always on my list of recommendations! Brilliant decor, smiling service, good coffee and great food. Every time. And look at how small that kitchen is.. That is consistency!
Great Breakfast Place. This place does a great breakfast. It has a nice atmosphere and the staff are all great. Coffee are good and they have some inventive smoothies (served in beakers). Highly recommended!
Excellent service, great coffee and the food is lovely. I love this place and will be returning. A lovely touch that there is a water bowl out the front for thirsty dogs as well as a great interior.
TheStKildaDispensary
+4.5
Owners Right of Response @ Feeding Frenzy. A right for response.
Yes Feeding Frenzy, I did ask for your 'review' to be deleted, as it was aggressive, defamatory, and of a legal nature. My name is Kristy, the sole owner of The St. Kilda Dispensary. I probably would've made your coffee as I work behind the coffee machine. I would never normally respond to anyone on such a forum as Urbanspoon, as personally I find these types of sites extremely dangerous and stressful for small business. I did not even create this account. I did, however, create The St. Kilda Dispensary from my own hands. Discovering that the building had such interesting history, I felt compelled to scrape the layers of paint back by hand to bring back some of it's unique and unknown history. Purpose built in 1940, as The St. Kilda Dispensary, it was the largest of its kind in the British Empire. Combining a pharmacy, Doctors, Dentists, Nurses and consulting rooms, in a time that stretched over war time and beyond. Learning the history which I fell in love with, I set about styling the cafe in its current state, which I am very proud of and will defend. It is definately not like any other 'cookie cutter' styled cafe. As a nod of respect, I have carefully selected and sourced each vintage piece that has gone into my cafe. These include touches of nostalgia and vintage First Aid kits, medicine cabinets with red crosses on them and so forth. Clearly you do not like my cafe, but if you actually bothered to come up to me for a chat, I could've told you where every single piece that I have , and continue to collect, has come from.
You say it's a crime to use the Red Cross in any other way than their organisation. You also said that I am using it in an inappropriate way? The only thing that I can think of that disturbs you so much is the poster on the rear wall. There is no mention of the Red Cross. It was purchased from another source. It is being using in a decorative manner and most certainly is not being used inappropriately, nor disrespectfully. I love that poster. It is a nod of respect to the heritage, the history, and the original usage of the building. I am not 'trying' to be a pharmacy. It is my love of the era and the building that was my inspiration on the vintage medical theme. The story of the building is hanging on the wall in the cafe, as is the original photo. I am constantly asked about the history of the building and I am always happy, open and informative. I have even purchased for my own personal use tea towels and aprons with the Red Cross vintage ads printed on them from the Red Cross op shops. Does that mean I'm not even allowed to use those? Then why do they sell them then? It's a shame you didn't bother to ask or discuss with me your concerns. You were just quick to threaten legal action, in a public forum and hide behind an anonymous name. I am a single female running a 7 day a week business. I have and love my very loyal customers, and I love what I do despite the extremely long and tiring hours. So I suppose I will sit and wait for some legal letter in the mail and spend my valuable time and hard earned money on defending my business. Thank you.
Amazing food ! I ordered the trio dips on toast, my friend ordered the corn fritters stack and both of ours was on point! The only down side was they only take cash. Had to pay $2.8 to cash out at the pub next door :/
I have nothing bad to say about this lovely little place! The staff were so nice. Service was so great. The food was amazing. Such a great start to the morning. Would recommend and will be back in a heart beat
Fit staff and amazing hospitality. Best coffee in the area. Thanks for a fab experience. Jane x
Consistently great coffee. If you're in St Kilda and you're looking for great coffee, definitely check out the dispensary. The coffee is always consistently amazing! The service is always friendly and quick.
Highly recommend the dispansary
My local gem. Allpress coffee perfected every time. Dukkah eggs are amazing! Definitely worth a try.
Nice little cafe; unique decor; friendly staff with good service; food was average and a little overpriced; still worth a visit.
Nutritionistfooddiary
+4.5
Good coffee and good service. Popped in for a coffee on the way to the city and I was not disappointed. The staff were friendly and the coffee was good. What more can you ask for!
Great food & lovely staff, highly recommend. Just remember to bring your cash (no eftpos).
Fantastic!!. Small and bustling cafe with great food, and lovely attentive staff. Had the corn fitters with avocado and chai tea, both superb! One of the best cafes around at the moment. Will be back soon.
Amazing corn fritters!!!. Had the corn fritters with bacon today, easily the best corn fritters around. Beautiful coffee and staff, no eftpos but not needed when your breakfast and coffee is under $20 ooo and they split the bill! uncommon these days. Great service too, will be back next weekend :-)
Friendly staff, consistent coffee and great brekky rolls with egg, bacon, rocket & hollandaise.
Great little local, only negative is no eftpos.
My new local, Really great little cafe, awesome vibe, great staff, excellent coffee and hot chocolate. Food was fantastic and worth the wait, corn fritters, the bomb!
Just like a laboratory, but with only the Good bits ,love the space and it's vibe
Coffee was great, Almond Croissant Delicious
Homely. I love this quaint little cafe. The coffee is smooth and creamy (as they use Jonesy's milk), the selection of cakes and sweet treats are to die for and the food on offer is delicious and reasonably priced.
Having driven past so many times I finally took the time to stop in. It is a great look spot with two large communal tables, chilled tunes, friendly staff and good coffee. I like what they have done with the fit out. Seating outside on St Kilda Rd is also an option if the suns out. Happy customer!
Very good coffee-made us very happy!
Menu looks great-we will be back for brunch soon!
One of my favourite cafes ever. This cafe is absolutely wonderful- in so many ways!
Kristy and her staff are welcoming, friendly, efficient and generous. The decor is perfectly quirky and stylish and deeply appeals to my vintage tastes. My long black coffee is consistently great and the food is simply delicious (the selection of cakes is too tempting to resist). The kid's choc/strawberry milk bottles are ridiculously cute.
St K dispensary is more than just a cafe though, it's a place where on any day you will find locals (that used to be strangers) sitting around the gorgeous front timber table chatting about their lives and days (and sometimes loves). We feel incredibly grateful to have it as our local!
Lovely!. These girls are lovely. Humble, considerate and friendly. The food's pretty good too (although I'd rather they served poached eggs) and the coffee's excellent. Despite their opting for latte glasses on the small side here, the quirkiness of the set-up and the quality of the delivery makes up for it. 4 Stars from Margaret and 3 from me.
This joint is a gem. Could've had every item on the menu. Good bfast portions and prices. Coffee also a hit, as is the decor and service. Well done.
Amazing coffee! Incredible service! Scrumptious food! Tantalising decor! Bravo!!!
Fantastic coffee... No matter how miserable the day outside maybe, the delicious coffee and breakfast always makes it better.
Love this uniquely styled cafe. Awesome coffee, friendly staff and for a busy Sunday brunch the service was right on the mark. A little gem!
What a pleasant place to relax. Just been to the St Kilda Dispensary Cafe for the first time and found it quite an amazing place .
Decore was quite unique and different, a very pleasant place to eat.
Food was perfect, especially the bacon rolls, lovely coffee and hot chocolate.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants value for money
Great little cafe with nice coffee & food. Only gripe was cash only but they are getting eftpos soon.
Great new local spot that I finally got to try. Wasnt too packed for a Saturday either. Pulled pork roll was delicious! And *finally* a cafè that doesnt serve its coffee lukewarm! Fab retro fitout with the pharmacy theme is cool too. Recommend.
Love it! Coffee was so great I had to back it up with a second strait away! And I love the latte glasses .. Always loved the traditional, but these are sweet. Had banana bread, which was a smaller portion than I expected for the price, but was delicious and hit the spot. Can imagine it getting over crowded, but plenty of communal space.
I love this place. Great fit out and true to label. Coffee is my favourite brand. Menu and food are fresh and tasty. Service is friendly and helpful. Lots of newspapers to linger over. This is now my favourite local cafe! Carry on...
Delightful, well located cafe away from the maddening acland crowd. I loved the old pharmacy decor from the moment I walked in and took my place at the large wooden share table. I ordered a latte and pancetta baked eggs. Presentation was gorgeous think this cafe is going to be my new favorite.
This place is a gem, at last a cafe in the area that is not your average egg on toast two a penny flavourless bland menu. I wanted to write a review before to praise this fab cool place, but selfishly I didn't want people to find out about the yummy tastes treasures, of course they have! Enjoy!
Love it!. Loving this little local Cafe! The history of the building is behind the wonderful fitout theme! Food is good, and they tick all the boxes with great coffee (allpress) great milk (Jonesy's) and artisan bread. A little treasure!
Super unique spot housed in a former dispensary. Owners are cheerful and just what you need on a cold winter morning. We enjoyed the warm bread and eggs but weren’t as big a fan of the corn fritters (we’re clearly in the minority here though, see the rave reviews and give it a shot!). Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area - if not for the food, at least for the warm and friendly atmosphere. We’ll be back!
This cafe is such a gem 💖 It had such chill vibes & cool decor, being a cafe housed in what was previously a dispensary (apparently the first dispensary-clinic in the British Empire too). The music fit the vintage decor perfectly, and I felt like I was in a time capsule!
The oat flat white was yummy & the staff were cheery :) highly recommend visiting it!
Staying close by we had walked past this quirky little cafe. Suitably intrigued, we came back for breakfast.
Excellent coffee and the eggs Benedict was on point. I had the fried eggs. Simple and delicious.
Highly recommended.
This cafe is so cool! The vibe is bright and fun, and the service is impeccable. Despite being busy the staff are always so pleasant and lovely to chat to. The food and coffee are always on point!! Highly suggest the corn fritters!
Brunching @thestkildadispensary a remodeled 1940s dispensary has got to be a highlight for us.🏥💥🍽
We LOVED the gorgeous sandwiches and freshly done drinks/smoothies served in science lab glass beakers.🧪🥪❤💜...SO CUTE
A must check out spot!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We loved the service as well as the freshly made sandwiches
If you have not planned your weekend brunching yet, definately check them out
Thank you so for the amazing service @thestkildadispensary
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St Kilda Dispensary is definitely one of a kind! ✨
We thought the restaurant was just uniquely decorated, but turns out the building itself was first opened in 1940 as an actual dispensary (largest in southern hemisphere too!) 🏥 We were amazed at how all the little touches were neatly placed which showed the history of the building without making the place feel crowded.
Not only that, the food was great too. We ordered the Special item Corn fritters with salmon 🐟 and a New Yorker 🥪. Both were so tasty and such great dishes for the summer ☀️
The corn fritters were crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, the beetroot horseradish cream added great flavors to all the items on the dish. The New Yorker is a sourdough sandwich with beef pastrami, sauerkraut, cheese and mustard mayo which came with crispy pretzels, mmm can’t go wrong with that! 😋
Of course we didn’t forget to get yummy iced coffee and fresh OJ which was served in a cute beaker 👩🏻🔬
The staff were so friendly and very attentive to our needs, we really appreciate that 🥰 We also loved hearing the history of the place, so whenever you visit don’t forget to ask questions about the place (only if they’re not busy though!)
We definitely see ourselves coming back here. We were talking about having a brunch party where everyone dresses up as doctors, nurses, etc to fit with the theme of the place hehe!
Favorite coffee shop in Melbourne!
I found out about it on a blog and came all the way from Dubai to visit it! 😍
Staff is friendly and the vibeeee is sooo “Oh my God”! 😍 Enjoy the photos! 😍
Great little place! Few different sections you can sit, love the theme, food is flavourful. Coffee is top notch
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