From my home in Lake Haven, I can easily see the light blue posterior of the Beachcomber Hotel across the sparkling waters of Budgewoi Lake. I often drop in at the Beachcomber to have a beer on their lakeside patio, or to eat a meal. The mood is usually pleasant enough during the daylight hours, but at night the hotel seems to attract more than its fair share of thugs to the downstairs nightclub. For a supposedly classy venue, I am also surprised by some of the shabby facilities in the entertainment area, such as doors missing in the toilets, insect infestations, and that sort of thing.

This shop might look shabby and forbidding from the outside, with its graffiti covered walls. Inside, however, is an old-style country corner store stocked with fresh, locally-made bread, newspapers, plenty of cold drinks, and other daily necessities.

Also known as the Wyongah Shopping Centre, this store is a local institution on the shore of the sunny Tuggerah Lake. The store is actually a combination of mini supermarket, newsagency, TAB outlet and post office. I believe the business has been run by the same family since at least the early 1990s. Inside, it looks like a classic country store from the 1970s. Locally made bread, soft drinks and tins of food are some of the items on sale.

Over the past few years I have made a number of inquiries and purchases at Computers and More at Lake Haven. On each occasion, I was struck by the professionalism and knowledge of the staff. They do not try to do the hard sell, but endeavour instead to solve whatever problem you might have. Earlier this year, I tried to return a mouse which I had bought from the store a few months previously, and was no longer working. Unfortunately, I had lost the receipt, so I was unable to claim a refund. However, the staff at Computers and More allowed me buy a new mouse at half price as a good will gesture. It is no wonder that the shop is highly respected in the local community.

I used to live in Japan for a long time, so I have developed a taste for raw fish and other Japanese foods. Sushi Coast inside Lake Haven Shopping Centre is not far from where I live now, so I often go up there to try their wares. It is not quite as good as the sushi in Japan, of course, but it is still not that bad. The staff there aren't really Japanese, of course, but I don't really mind. Sushi Coast at Lake Haven sells a range of items such as California rolls, chicken Schnitzel rolls, and various kinds of nigiri-zushi. The staff often give away tidbits of free food to passing shoppers, and provide free tea.

Approximate cost: $5

This is my favourite restaurant within the Lake Haven shopping complex. It is actually located outside of the main shopping centre, near the bus stop. Master Noodle looks, smells and tastes like a Chinese restaurant, although as with many Chinese restaurants in Australia these days, the management seem to Malaysian. This is apparent in the number of Malaysian items on the menu, for example the satay chicken noodles, Singapore fried noodles, sambal dishes, and the always popular fried kway teow. The seafood laksa is my favourite meal here!

Approximate cost: $10

This is the flagship of the Wyong Leagues Club franchise, which owns 7 facilities on the Central Coast. The club at Kanwal is one of the cultural and entertainment hubs of the Wyong Shire. It regularly hosts concerts by famous bands such as Icehouse, as well as local sporting and community events. There is a cavernous poker machine hall downstairs as well as bars and restaurants, while upstairs is devoted to functions. Wednesday night is "Steak and Schnitzel" night, which is always popular. The club's resident Asian restaurant (Sentosa), meanwhile, entertains the punters with its flaming woks.

Approximate cost: $18

This has been my "local" for quite some time. I have frequented this club (which is part of the Wyong Leagues Club franchise) nearly every day for the past 3 years. Wallarah Bay Recreation Club boasts stunning views of Tuggerah Lake, as well as reasonably priced beverages and meals. Staff are plentiful and friendly, although occasionally careless and bureaucratic (that is true of other clubs, of course). Regulars seem to genuinely love their club, and wear their allegiance proudly. There are many special events held such as raffles, competitions, bingo nights and so on.

Approximate cost: $15

Jothi is one of my favourite restaurants on the Central Coast. I've ordered from their home delivery service a number of times, and always been impressed with the meals. In particular their Lamb Pasanda, Prawn a'la Kashmiri, and Rogan Josh were all good. Deliveries always arrive promptly, with mostly friendly service. Their rice and naan accompaniments are filling and delicious.

Approximate cost: $16