Tuck into Heathcote’s glorious food scene

NO matter what your budget, there is no shortage of food options in Heathcote over the holidays.

From casual to gourmet dining, there is something to suit everyone.

“Heathcote is a great destination for so many things,” said Joan Stammers from The Watering Hole.

“Recently we had a group come in for breakfast with us, then they had a massage at Pacific Earth, followed by lunch at Chauncy and they stayed the night in a local bed and breakfast.

“No matter which eatery visitors come to eat at, they often visit other businesses and it’s good for all of us.”

The Watering Hole is open every day except Wednesday for full breakfast, coffee, light lunches and a range of wine, cocktails, a Friday night barbecue and Saturday night baked potatoes.

 

Bakeries

Heathcote boasts two bakeries, Gaffney’s and Segafredos. Each one has a large range of pastries, cakes, and bread that can be eaten in or taken away.

They are both popular with travellers passing through and locals alike.

 

International Cuisine

Treat your palate with food from various corners of the globe.

The Red Dragon offers both dine in and takeaway Chinese food while Heathcote Vietnamese Noodle Cuisine has a wide range of takeaway noodle and rice dishes.

Chauncy, recent winners of The Age Good Food Guide Regional Restaurant of the Year Award, serves lunch from Friday through to Monday.

Pizza lovers have multiple choices. Midland Pizza is open every day from 5pm to 8pm except Christmas Day. Pizzeria Montana specialise in sourdough bases and also sell gelato.

The Oval Takeaway also offers pizza and for the newest addition to Heathcote’s food scene, Coach House Pizza, phone orders are recommended.

 

Fish and Chips

The debate over which fish and chip shop is best is frequently mentioned on the town’s Facebook sites and there is no conclusive winner.

Both the Country Kitchen and the Oval Takeaway offer good food with reasonable prices and friendly service.

 

Pub food

You’ll find all your pub favourites at the Commercial Hotel as well as a range of chef specials, vegetarian options, and meals for kids.

The Union Hotel is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. There are weekly specials and you can try your luck in the Friday meat raffle.

 

Wine, beer and gin

Heathcote Winery is open every day except major public holidays, with free wine tasting and sales.

Relax with tea or coffee in the gallery featuring works from local artists or lunch Friday to Saturday.

If you would like to try award-winning handcrafted beer, Palling Bros Brewery is open Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 5pm, and Friday to Sunday from noon till late.

They also serve meals, tea and coffee, soft drinks, and wine with regular musical entertainment.

Heathcote Juniper Lounge is open late many nights a week and offers gin, food, live music, and wine.

 

Breakfast, lunch and coffee

Eat inside or out at Fodder for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Open from 8am to 4pm Friday to Tuesday.

Relax with breakfast or lunch then browse four rooms of antiques at Fetching Treasures.

Rutherford and Maine offer coffee and cake, and a wide range of gifts and clothing.

 

And for something different…

Derek Muir from the Tonka Truck, situated outside Palling Bros Brewery, said he aims to change the world, one toastie at a time.

Mr Muir uses bread from the Dough Si Dough Sourdough Bakery in Kyneton and offers a wide range of fillings, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm, the Tonka Food Truck also serves coffee and sweet treats.