There is no shortage of takeaway stores in Hastings to pick up some hot chips or chicken from, particularly with the two main chicken takeaway chains situated in town. However, I believe you are doing yourself a great disservice if you don't get to know this small takeaway store located at the foreshore end of High Street. We could not believe the serving size of chips the first time we visited. But it was more than that, - it was the taste of the chips, when smothered in an overly generous covering of their delicious signature gravy. This store is one of those place that fills your serving container to overflowing, and then throws in more, just because they can. And it is this generous service, that I love so much about them. I can't say I have tried all the fast food outlets in town, because we stopped looking when we discovered Original Rooster Charcoal Chicken. Plenty to choose from in the chicken range too - Schnitzel Burgers, nuggets and all the usual favourites of chicken lovers. I'd happily recommend this local small business to anyone. A hop, skip and jump from the foreshore, they are a terrific alternative to packing a picnic lunch for some family time at the park.

I love this local Hairdressing Salon because the owner offers personal, quality service. The location is easy to access, being right behind Hastings High Street (the main road), and near Coles Supermarket. Whislt parking on High Street can be more difficult in peak times, there is always parking opportunities outside the small set of shops which Changing Style is located within. And because of the location, having your hair done is not only a personal experience, but a private one - with no regular flow of onlookers passing by the window. I had a full new style cut on my first visit to the salon, something I usually shy away from on a first experience. However, on this occasion the salon stylist was so down to earth, friendly and experienced, that I felt instinctively I was in good hands. And I certainly was. Very happy with my style, the conversation and of course, the price tag. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable cut without breaking the budget. You will love her prices, as did I.

There is one really good reason to love and support this wonderful Cafe initiative - and that is because it is a service to the community, both in providing good quality coffee and meals to its patrons, but more importantly because this Cafe is a training Cafe. Pelican Pantry, located immediately on the Hastings foreshore, offers inexpensive refreshments (the usual cafe fare) in one of Hastings more picturesque locations. Immediately adjacent to Westernport Bay on the Hastings foreshore walking track, and providing views from either the internal dining room or external deck, this is the place to be. I proudly support this Cafe because it offers students from all over the Peninsula and beyond, the opportunity to train in a fully functioning Cafe, whilst working through their TAFE hospitality training certificates. This does mean that the standard of service can occasionally be reflected in the stage of current training of your server, (i.e. - they are real 'learners') but in general I have actually found the opposite occurs and these young students work above the standard often represented in other Cafe Restaurants, because their training is new, fresh and up to date, as is their enthusiasm. I love that you are greeted at the door; a very nice touch. If you want to do something wonderful for your community when eating out, Pelican Pantry is a great way to support Victorian Education, local students, and, in the end, your wallet too. We love their Devonshire tea, pancakes, iced and hot chocolates.

I'm loving this Hastings local. Its decor is quirky and lives up to its name with a beach hut feel. Service is quick and friendly and I know I am not alone when reporting on the overly generous serving sizes. I'd recommend that other locals and visitors to the area give The Beach Hut Cafe a try because the operating hours are customer friendly - offering all day breakfast dishes, but also staying open well into the evening, when other High Street Cafes have long since closed their doors for the day. Themed nights make for a very inexpensive, yet delicious night out - and include: Parmi Night (Vegetarians catered for with eggplant parmi), Roast Dinner night, Steak Night etc. My family particularly enjoy their fantastic vegetarian burger, the likes of which we have never enjoyed as much anywhere else. Milkshake prices are way below cost of many other milk bars - and are served in a tall glass with the remainder of your serve in the milkshake mixer cup. Nothing is spared. An easy night out too for those with less mobility, with parking right at the door, and a simple, off-street appeal.

Merwans Pies is definitely not just another bakery - and that is what I love about them! Their range of gourmet pies are extensive and all so good that it's hard to settle on a favourite when so many other award winning pies are always tempting you to try them. But in the end - I did find that favourite - with their Tandoori Chicken Pie. On a Saturday Morning, the service is one of a kind, which extends beyond even the friendliest of smiles and service, when the staff member remembers you and your favourite orders - and takes a general interest in her customers. This is old-fashioned, caring service at its very best and something my family keep coming back for when in the area. (Sometimes making special trips!) Eat in or take away - the experience is equally as good. I also love that they make up packs of four gourmet pies, ready for simple reheating at home, at reduced prices on the counter/warmer prices for individual items. To top it all off, Merwans provide a fundraising service for local schools and charities.