The Village Larder

Ben and Marika Oost continue to work their magic in downtown Woodend. With a deft hand Marika cranks out house-made cakes (including wicked rhubarb baklava cake and pumpkin pie) alongside flavoursome breakfasts and lunches. Begin the day with house-made crumpets, poached fruits and Greek yoghurt, or pan-fried haloumi batons with roasted mushrooms, tomato and pesto. Lunches sparkle with local produce; the warm salad of quinoa, caramelised heirloom carrots, sumac roasted almonds and black lentils is a stunner. Formica tables and vinyl chairs create a bit of retro, family-friendly enchantment.