Ballarat is famous for three things: the goldrush in the 1850s, the food and coffee at L’espresso, and the man behind the machine, Greg Wood. ‘Woodsie’ has been quietly going about his business for years, providing a retreat from an ‘at times’, bleak landscape. Together with partner Candy, son Ben and their delightful staff, they’ve made a visit to Ballarat mean more than a trip to Sovereign Hill!

We helped renovate the cafe some years ago and enjoy keeping our eye on the regulars, who include the dodgy crime writer Peter Temple, ‘brush master’ Bill Hollick and the running man, Steve Moneghetti.