I chose Allan's because they are a small business in Ballarat and have been in business here for decades. They sell jewellery, but also offer a repair service.

My parents' engagement ring was in need of restoration and the stone was lost. It is a very delicate design, so it was important that I put it in the hands of someone who would be careful and do a good job.

After I left the ring with Allan's, they telephoned me and explained two possible restorations that could be completed (with quotes). They answered my questions and I made my decision.

The repairs were completed on the day that they had promised and they sent me a text message that it was ready. I was appreciative of this courtesy.

I was delighted with the result. The ring looks beautiful and new again. I am very impressed by their workmanship and by the courtesy shown. I was also happy that they provided me with two options as far as the restoration and did not just provide one. It was affordable for us.

Highly recommend them for customer service and quality results.

Approximate cost: $varies

It's a basic service at Laurent: you select and pay at the counter. They do bring the food and drink to the table and are on the whole very polite people. All reasonably efficient.

There are amazingly decorative selections of cakes and other sweets in the display cabinet. Beautiful to look at. There is also a good selection of food that is appropriate for lunch. I would say that some of Laurent's lunches are a bit pricey, but the food is always very fresh and tasty. The last time I had pumpkin and zucchini tart which was very satisfying. The coffee is fab. Bottles of water and glasses are available free, which is always welcome.

Laurent is located in busy Whitehorse Road. While street parking would be tricky, there is plenty of parking behind the store.

Approximate cost: $varies

Apart from the downstairs bistro, Baden Powell has accommodation upstairs.

I booked the standard room which is smallish, but adequate for one person for one night. (Includes a TV, kettle and bar fridge.) One of the things that was important to me was that the room was very clean. The room included an ensuite - there is another option which is cheaper, but means sharing bathroom facilities.

The service is almost non-existent. It didn't bother me a lot. One checks in at the bar and someone shows you how the security locks work and where the room is. That really is the last you see of the staff. The process when departing is to just lock the key in the room.

It was good to know that there is a security lock downstairs so that stray people are not accessing the accommodation area at night.

There is no room service, but there is the downstairs bistro and a few cafes close by. There is also an IgA supermarket opposite which is handy for picking up breakfast cereal and other basic things.

The bed was comfortable. The only downside was that it was Saturday night and the noise from the bistro downstairs was audible until about 1 or 2 am. I had been warned about this, so I took earplugs. I understand that the deluxe suite is soundproofed.

It was a reasonable deal for $100 via booking.com. It is not fancy, but it served the purpose. I would consider staying there again if I needed overnight accommodation in Melbourne.

I've been to Red Fox a few times - a very enjoyable experience. It is very much about the breakfast, lunch or snack-in-between visit. The coffee is excellent. At the counter, there is a glass display case showing pies and other gourmet foods.

Some of the best things I've had at Red Fox were the lentil soup. (I think that was a special.) I recently tried the raspberry tart and it was well above average. Some of the cakes and slices on display are not 100% inspiring, but there is a variety and I would say there is something for everyone. The prices are very reasonable too.

The service is very friendly, helpful and efficient. The seating area is comfortable with plenty of light and space.

It's great that there are so many choices in the small Creswick shopping strip. I think Red Fox is worth visiting.

Approximate cost: $varies

The Tin Pot has terrific coffee and a great range of other drinks. I love their ginger tea. :) This is a very relaxed venue in the heart of Fitzroy North. It's a good venue for breakfast or lunch and appropriate for kids as well.

Most memorable thing is the chocolate mousse. Best I've ever had. All of the food is satisfying and fresh.

The table service is adequate and reasonably quick. The cafe is comfortable and spacious.

Approximate cost: $varies

A very nice establishment. I've been several times to the bistro and the food is always fresh and delicious. A wide variety of main courses are available - lamb shanks, risotto, pizza, pasta, seafood. The service is efficient and courteous.

We went during the Summer when the bistro was closed and found the bar area to be a very pleasant eating area too.The calamari was delicious.

The bistro would be my choice although it is more expensive. There is more space and seating and more menu choices.

The hotel also has pokies, but these are not located near the eating areas.

Approximate cost: $varies

Northcote Cafe Espresso is part of the Northcote Plaza shopping centre. It is better than many shopping centre cafes. There is a wide variety of meals and, of course, coffee and tea.

Some highlights for me have been the scrambled eggs and bacon and a wonderful lentil soup. The coffee is great. Everything looks very clean.

The service is very professional, courteous and quick given that it can get busy around peak times. The environment is fairly basic, but comfortable. There are newspapers and magazines for customers to read, which adds to the service experience.

When I lived in Melbourne, I used to visit this cafe every Saturday for breakfast, brunch or lunch. It's a keeper.

Approximate cost: $varies

I use Don Chichios when I want pizza delivered at home. The phone service is fairly matter of fact, meaning that they listen and get the order and other important things right. (It is possible to order online too which I think is a good service.) The service is very professional and the pizza is made with the modifications that I request.

I usually order vegetarian pizzas and the ingredients are fresh and delicious. There are many pasta dishes and desserts available at a reasonable cost too.

Looking forward to many more delicious meals from DC.

Approximate cost: $affordable

Bean Barn is definitely more about the coffee and tea experience - i.e. the caffeine buzz. When I've been there, there has been little in the way of food or snacks to buy, which is disappointing. It means that if I need food as well, I don't go to Bean Barn.

The service is courteous with very little waiting time. The cafe area is comfortable and I usually have no trouble getting a seat.

There is a wonderful selection of coffee beans and tea to purchase. The aroma when one walks through the door is delicious.

The cafe is on Sturt Street, so there is the issue about parking around the area. I am more inclined to combine my Bean Barn visits with other shopping trips and errands.

Well worth it, if you only need the beverage or if you want to stock up on some coffee or tea for home.

Jamaica Blue is certainly a cut above the other eating options at Stockland Wendouree. Although the cafe is not an enclosed space, it is located away from the central "food hall", so not quite so hectic and noisy.

Jamaica Blue usually has a very efficient and polite service. I like that most of the staff have been working there for most of the time I've been going there. I've been there several times and there were only two occasions when I've had to remind them about my order (when it's been very busy). The reminders are followed up quickly. They generally keep up with the hectic shopping centre pace very well.

My favourite is the New York cheesecake, but there are also some very nice citrus tarts to be had. It's about $10 for coffee and cake. I have also had the savory crepes which were an affordable and tasty lunch. I notice that there is a breakfast menu, but I have never been at Stocklands that early in the day.

The coffee and tea are both of an acceptable standard and, again, above what you might expect for the location. It's nice oasis in a big shopping centre.

Approximate cost: $varies