Pancho is my all-time favourite cafe in Daylesford. The staff in there are super-duper friendly. Even on a busy day and trust me, on the weekends in Daylesford, it’s usually fairly busy and they never fail to seem happy to be there and greet you with a smile. I’m huge on customer service and no matter how good your food is, if the staff are grumpy, then I’m unlikely to return. Not only is the customer service fabulous, the food is also delicious. If you’re coming from Melbourne, and you’re used to sampling some of Melbourne’s finest brunch spots, then Pancho offers some fierce competition. I’d go as far as saying Pancho is the only cafe of its kind in the Daylesford area, and their food is very insta worthy. The apple fritters are my personal favourite, but I’ve sampled pretty much everything on their menu, and it’s all splendid. This photo sums Pancho up perfectly. I could have posted one of their fancy brunch dishes instead, but I couldn’t resist posting this one; look how lovely they all are.

A little drive out of Daylesford, in the best town in the area (and I’m not just saying that because I live here!), Trentham, you’ll find Chaplins. Again, this is one of the best places in terms of customer service. Mel at Chaplins will most likely remember your coffee order after one visit.  I’m not sure how she does it – it baffles me! The food at Chaplins is always great, and I think it has the best coffee in the area. It’s an unpretentious cafe in which you’ll most likely find all the locals, and you’ll find a good paper or a local mag to flick through while eating your brunch, surrounded by anything and everything to do with Charlie Chaplin.

Another great spot in Trentham is RedBeard Bakery. It has the best bread I’ve ever purchased in Victoria. I could go as far saying I’ve never purchased bread as good as theirs, ever, anywhere. The only bread that I’ve had that tops this is my Nan and Grandad’s freshly baked bread at home in England. The food is phenomenal, the bread is phenomenal, and they use a lot of local produce, including their veggies. Worth a visit, even if it’s to grab a loaf of bread. Don’t dawdle though, as they can sell out of bread pretty quickly on a busy weekend.

This place is great. Yes, it’s a store, but it’s also a brunch spot with a restaurant nestled out the back. This place reminds me of when I was at school in Texas; it has an old-fashioned country vibe, which I love. The store sells local produce such as Istra Smallgoods, Adsum Farm pickles and jams, and they’re known for their selection of tinned fish such as sardines. The brunch menu changes seasonally, but one of my personal favourites, the mushrooms, cheese and pesto on toast, is usually on the menu. The vanilla milkshake is always my ‘go-to’ drink, and it comes in a huge American style metal cup that I can never seem to finish.

When I discovered Fox In The Chamber, I was annoyed, because I’d been living in the area for over a year before I discovered it. The food here is tasty, and I particularly recommend the croissants. They also use meats produce from Oakwood Smallgoods, which I love – we use Oakwood for our grazing tables. Their produce is local, ethically farmed, and is of top-notch in terms of quality.

Another cafe in which I often find myself is Harvest Cafe, in Daylesford. It isn’t your typical ‘avo and eggs’ brunch spot. It’s more of a lunch venue. I love this place because it’s guilt-free eating; most of the food here is vegetarian and vegan. The vegetarian lasagne is one of my favourites, along with the halloumi fritters, which I always grab to take away, along with a green juice. They have a huge range of delicious desserts as well as some unconventional options for coffee and chai.

My Trentham bias is coming out again, but Atelier Chocolat isn’t your usual brunch spot. You will be able to get some authentic French brioche to snack on over your hot chocolate. A voyage back to Paris, this little French chocolatier will have you stocking up on chocolate supplies in no time. The Cannolis are addictive, and you must try them.

A 30-minute drive north of Daylesford, this cafe will blow your mind. It’s kooky, unique, and a ‘must visit’ if you’re in the area. Stocked with traditional Austrian cakes and sweets, you can have a traditional Austrian breakfast that I’ve never found anywhere else in Australia. This place is always a go-to spot if I’m in Castlemaine, even if it’s for one of their delicious hot chocolates. Their breakfast/brunch menu is enormous. Don’t miss it!