Robyn Rogers

Prior to those closed down days of COVID, there were many regular locals’ nights across Daylesford and Hepburn but they were never resurrected once Victoria opened up again – likely because everyone was so desperate to just get out of the house that restaurants and cafes were booming!

As they say though, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and we’ve definitely moved on from those post COVID days. We are now facing economic pressures that are changing how and where we spend our hard-earned money.  People are looking for good value for money options and being a little more circumspect in their spending.

Lo and behold it seems Locals’ Nights and Happy Hours have now become a thing again and it’s great to see our local hospitality businesses offering up these opportunities.  So, who is offering what and when?  It’s clear that the majority of offers are during the week when it’s likely to be quieter in town and when “locals” are more likely to gather together.  Having said that though, when I’ve experienced a locals’ night there have often been visitors to town there as well.

Here’s what’s on offer:

Bistro Terroir – Wednesday and Thursday evenings, $45.00 per head including a beer or glass of wine.  The menu varies each week but is always based on French classics.  These nights are often used as staff training nights and there is always the chance of opening something random rather than something straight from the wine list.  Bistro Terroir also hosts a Happy Hour every Friday from 4-6 pm serving wine at $6.00 per glass and beer at $5.00 per glass.  www.bistroterroir.com.au

Bellinzona – Wednesday evenings, $39.00 per head for 2 courses and a glass of wine or beer.  There is a starter and a choice of 4 main courses on the menu plus a variety of wines and beers to choose from.  Sides and dessert are optional extras.  Bellinzona also hosts a Happy Hour from 5-6pm every day in the Lobby Bar.  www.bellinzona.com.au

Daylesford Brewery – Tuesday evening is Burger night at the Brewery at a cost of $25.00 per head for a Burger, Beer and Chips.  Service commences at 5pm.  www.daylesfordbrewingco.com.au

Bar Merenda – recently named Bar of the Year for Victoria and awarded a hat, they offer Monday night dinners serving a prix fixe menu composed of 3 shared starters, a main and a dessert for $65.00 pp.  The menu changes each week according to the seasons and what’s available cooking their favourite rustic country classics.  www.barmerenda.com.au

There are also other value for money offers around town if you take a close look.  The Daylesford Hotel offers lunch for $19.99 with a soft drink from Monday to Friday.  Betel Boy has 4 for $40.00 cocktails Thursday to Monday from 3-6pm and Harry’s of Hepburn is commencing their “Pub with no Tap Beer” on Friday December 8th including a happy hour from 5-6pm.

These are just the Locals’ Nights and Happy Hours that we currently know about so if there are other hospitality businesses around town that have special offers, locals nights or happy hours that aren’t listed here please feel free to contact The Wombat Post via email admin@thewombatpost.com.au marked Attention: Robyn.  I will be writing a regular food column for TWP and will be happy to include your business if you have a special locals offer.

Robyn Rogers is a local cook, a keen foodie, a presenter on Hepburn Radio and a board member of The Wombat Post.

 

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