The Local - Mount Alexander

The Local Shop in Melbourne would win the award for the best smelling shop, no contest.

I visited this charming store that starts with a beautiful floral section and extends into a large selection of candles and a variety of unique gifts.

I'm sorry to say that the woman at the counter was talking with her mouth full of food when she told me she didn't know where a pair of earrings she sold were.

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.