Glenlyon General Store — Restaurant in Victoria

Glenlyon general store

The long breakfast/brunch/lunch - a staple of the country weekend escape - yet in my experience few venues can actually get this right.

Jefferson and Duncan and their team at the Glenlyon General Store absolutely can.

We moved to Daylesford nearly 12 months ago and are still renovating - without much of a kitchen to speak of - which means we’ve had plenty of opportunity to sample all the breakfast/brunch offerings the region has to offer.

Glenlyon General Store is our go-to for breakfast and brunch. I’ll tell you why.

Firstly, the toast: yes, the ubiquitous sourdough, with good GF options, but importantly not too thick and only taking up half the plate. Too often one is faced with a four inch slab of tough bread that must be sawed away at, sending toppings flying. Not here.

Next, the butter. Not a slimy grease fest, nor a churlish misery, but smack bang in the Goldilocks zone of unctuous joy, right to the edges, toasted in. Hear the sigh of contentment.

Then … joy of joys … beautifully poached eggs directly on the toast. Too many establishments pile the toppings on first, then the eggs, which prevents the lovely orange yolks soaking into the buttery bread once broken. You may think this is a tad pernickety, but it matters. No one wants to have to rearrange the stack before tucking in. Too much work.

For those who do pig, the bacon at the general store is a study in perfection. In part due to the excellent ingredients but also because of careful treatment, it arrives tanned and taut with crisp ruffled edging. No flopping around like a Victorian virgin, no singed roof tiles.

The snags are likewise excellent quality and perfectly prepared, hot, tasty and just right, and accompanied by an excellent relish made in-house.

A range of other seasonal sides are available to tempt you. All are locally sourced, fresh and prepared in sensible and clever ways that avoid the wankery so prevalent in menus today. The mushies are a standout in season.

Just as importantly, the coffee is terrific, as is the atmosphere and the staff. Great place for a lunch as well with a terrific wine list.

It’s our favorite spot and we can’t recommend it highly enough. Well...

Another place where the locals have been overwhelmed by people who wish to buy $90/kilo cheeses and $12 pieces of toast. When Sam and Andrew had it it was fantastic. It is not fantastic any more, unless you've got more money than sense. G'day guys, Google won't let me reply directly to your response. I'm sorry but recently I came in to meet a friend, I stood around for 7-10 mins in front of the counter and was completely ignored. I've been in the area since Jack and Jackie (1999), via Cheryl and her partner, (02-04 ish) Sam and Andrew 04-08 maybe ( my dates may be a little skewed) and the sale of the store by Jane and Bernie to Tanya and David. My mother in law is the only local I know who still goes there and she confirms that the toast is $12. I'm prepared to accept I'm a bit inaccurate re the cheese. I apologize for that. I also apologize for not owning a Maserati or Ferrari but you must confess, although you're doing well, you're not too welcoming to locals. Seriously guys I'm only going on how I was treated last time I was there. Don't take it personally. Just remember there are people who actually live in Glenlyon and who aren't just stopping for a coffee while the passers-by admire their Italian supercars. Because ordinary people can't justify $12 for...

A local icon known far and wide by foodies and in the know tourists in the Central Highlands and Macedon Ranges region.

Browse the shelves for an enchantingly curated selection of imported and locally sourced foodstuffs, wines and eclectic gin selections. Take your time searching, you will be rewarded.

The dining room, alcove and leafy outdoor areas are decorated in a uniquely charming fashion that supports long midsummer lunches through to crackling fireside soirées during the bracing sub-alpine winters. NB. There are two ample fireplaces burning the biggest and driest red gum logs.

Now let’s get to the most important bit - coffee. They are good at making coffee. Very good. It comes exactly as you ask for it. They take pride in that. And they remember how you like it - you can’t buy that.

Staff and management are a delight. Friendly and hospitable to a fault. There is always an anecdote or story to relate even whilst being run off their feet (literally).

My favourite items are fruit muffins, apricot crumble and Florentines. You can’t go wrong.

Reuben sandwiches are often on the menu. Highly recommended along with the famous Glenlyon toastie.

Step back in time when you are in the area. Take care to park nose in on both sides of...