The Local - Mount Alexander

I had coffee and cake on one of the first weekends open from the window and it was wonderful. Nice and quirky place with a wonderful interior. I have been back a number of times, it always seems busy. Recognised customers are greeted and served swiftly, be patient as the food is well worth hanging around for.

Attracted by the quality old hotel renovation, ventured for lunch. Tentative at first as don't normally do hipster organic as usually minimalistic, tasteless and expensive. However the food display pretty enticing.Served by pleasant bloke from New York. Very pleasant heritage interiors. Loved the colour tones and restored arched doorways and the stylish 1920s era light globes on chains. Truly the atmosphere I could live in. Ordered Chickpea Babaganoush and Rocket Salad. Adequate and tasty. Herbs planted outside in box gardens in the street. Lots of basil and eggplants quite intriguing stunning as you don't see this much. What a great idea to provide fresh supplied close by. The raspberry pie not bad could have been sweeter. I will certainly won't forget this place and will make a beeline for it when I return. Just cannot stop staring at the photos of the interior. In heritage heaven. I didn't want to leave. Full marks for presentation of the food and cleanliness. I could have tried another dessert as I am sure there was a wholemeal crust cheesecake, but resisted the urge.

This is a community run cafe that invests back into the community. They have wonderfully fresh, seasonal produce with a good range for vegetarians and some meat eater options. A good selection of cakes to have with a coffee. The outdoor tables catch the sun & are a good place to sit and watch the passing traffic while getting your daily dose of vitamin d.

I could see it was popular with so many people tapping away on laptops. I just wanted coffee and a light breakfast. I chose a "breakfast bar" which was a mix of fruit and grain with some labni youghurt on the side. There was still grease proof paper stuck to the bottom of it, but it tasted great. The coffee was just OK.

It's just starting but the food is delicious. Locally sourced food created by the amazing Nikki Valentini. This is part of the Growing Abundance Project, which harvests and shares local food. So there's a bowl of free fruit on the counter during the day - and on the window where you can collect a takeaway meal or coffee. Food is simple - choose a bowl size and have it filled to your taste. Or order online a takeaway 'tiffin' meal, meat or vegetarian, on Thursdays and Fridays. Regulars bring their own tiffin tins! Of course there's great coffee, cakes and desserts. It's got to be my local!