I usually stop at Java Lounge for coffee and cake, although I've had lunch there on a few occasions. The coffee is always excellent and the cakes and cheese cakes are delicious. The lunch specials board is well worth a look - I once selected the rabbit dish and it was scrumptious. They also serve a good range of breakfast fare.

Whenever I visit the cafe, there always seems to be a table available and the service is polite and prompt.

The lighting is a little dim and the decor somewhat dated which doesn't bother me, but might be off putting for some. My only suggestion is that the pictures of orange cars on the walls should probably be replaced by something more appealing to the eye. Obviously it's not a deal breaker for me because I keep coming back. There are outside tables if the inside ambience is an issue.

Orders are placed and paid for at the counter. I actually like this because I'm not stranded at a table wondering when I'll be served and I can just leave when I'm finished eating.

Approximate cost: $15

I've been a Kaye's Cafe (formerly glovebox) customer for a long time. It's not an upmarket cafe with a sophisticated saucy menu. It's simple fare that is well cooked and delivered with fantastic and friendly service. To give you an idea, I've had things like devonshire tea, scrambled eggs and bacon and bangers and mash. Not fancy but sometimes that's all you're looking for, especially during a quick shopping trip. There is never a problem with the standard of service or the food itself. For that sort of cafe, it's nice to have the food brought to the table with real plates and cutlery.

The cafe is in a quiet corner of Central Square shopping centre. So apart from the busy lunch period it is a peaceful haven. I tend to go there mid-morning or mid-afternoon to miss the lunchtime busyness, but it would be a good choice at any time of the day if you're hungry and not looking to spend a fortune.

Kaye has been with the cafe for a long time and is now the owner. She puts heart and soul into providing a happy place for customers to be. She has made some good changes to the dining area - for example, the awful caricatures that used to adorn the walls are now gone in favour of some tasteful framed photographs.

Not licenced (as far as I know), but this cafe delivers what it sets out to do.

My needs from a hairdresser are fairly easy. I want them to listen to what I want. Suggestions are welcome, but mostly I like to get what I ask for. This is exactly what I got from Metro Hair Design. I have now been twice and I got what I asked for both times.

The staff are friendly without overdoing it. I don't feel a need to be entertained every minute of my hairdressing experience. I think it was a good balance.

I was able to get in without an appointment, which was convenient for me. I imagine that this might be difficult around busy times, but I was there first thing in the morning both times.

There was so attempt to sell me products that I do not need and the price of the hair cut was reasonable. Nor did they attempt to force extra services that I did not need - I appreciated that.

I've been in Ballarat for two years and have not settled with one hairdresser yet. I think this one might be a keeper.

Approximate cost: $25