A destination to delight!

IT was through a passion for food and coffee and the love of a good conversation that Rachel Sheehan created LYDIARDgeneral, a quirky space for customers and friends alike that was not only welcoming but also offers a destination that would make people feel they must return too.

A wife, a mother and one determined businesswoman whose working career began in hospitality as a trainee more than 35 years ago and always remained customer focused with great attention to detail.

Rachel believes that the creation of LYDIARDgeneral incorporates a little of all the working experiences she has had; a little like she has picked her favourite pieces from each job she has experienced and put them all together to make the ultimate one.

She also believes that creating and running a small business shouldn’t have to be complicated and acknowledges that her success has been possible simply by researching, knowing, and listening to her demographic, exploring her markets and by offering her customers exactly what they’re asking for.

Several years ago Laurie Gillet, an iconic and successful businessman, offered her invaluable advice while participating in Commerce Ballarat Mentor Program, and that was “To offer what the customer wants, not what you want to sell.” Simple advice but so very true!

Rachel loves a challenge! Especially one that presents the chance to breathe new breath into a tied business and for her, the opportunity to purchase the partially equipped, closed cafe space at 313 Lydiard Street North was an opportunity Rachel could not say no too.

It offered the chance to put her mark on the Ballarat hospitality scene and create a one-stop destination to eat, to shop and to stay.

“The quote is, build it and they will come.” Rachel said. So, with the support of her good friend and experienced chef, Susan Anderson, LYDIARDgeneral was born.

A destination to delight where one can wait at the window bench, lounge in the laneway or sit inside the eclectically filled cafe whilst you sip on a Coffee Supreme latte or simply let time pass by and savour the flavour of a crispy cooked toasty, a house-made sweet tasty treat, delicious Prana Chai or perfectly brewed T2.

A funky, fun and fabulous shopping destination where you can pop a cacti in a designer planter, spoil your senses with the aromas of a delicious hand poured candle or bejewel one’s self – or their four legged fury-baby – with Ruby Olive and Co.InkyDinks bling-bling.

Rachel has recently added accommodation to LYDIARDgeneral’s menu and just like in Goldilocks and the Bears, this home away from home is like a fairy-tale; its enchanting decor is set to feast the imagination with quirky relics from yesteryear and cosy comfy beds.

You will find LYDIARDgeneral store and Airbnb in the historic northern precinct of Lydiard Street, Soldiers Hill and visit lydiardgeneral.com for more information.