The Brewer's Table Cafe

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Posted 2016-09-21 by Donna Sue Robson ⇒ follow

Brewer's Table is a 'foodie-jewel' of Seymour, located opposite the train station on the main street. I had been to Brewer's Table a few times before and had never been disappointed by the creativity, freshness and presentation of the meals.We were welcomed by a warm smile. There for a Friday luncheon, our meals were delivered quickly. My Roasted Pumpkin, Feta and Walnut Salad was enriched with high-quality ingredients and was neither over-flavoured or over-complex. The colour of the roasted pumpkin was a vibrant testament to product-freshness as well as to the artistry of salad creation. Brewer's let the quality of fresh and locally grown produce speak for itself. I couldn't resist tasting my companion's Creamy Prawn and Scallop Fettuccini which again was delicately balanced so that the fresh, succulent and perfectly cooked melt-in-your-mouth scallops and prawns were the heroes of the dish. At $15.50 and $19.50 respectively, Brewer's is a cafe-restaurant combo-style eatery, with plenty of cheaper meal selections if all you want is a snack or pick-me-up lunch on your way through Central Victoria. There is always a soup of the day for around $12.50 and entrees and side dishes start from $6.50. All main meals are priced under $25.00.

Carmen Fifield, Brewer's owner-operator, has designed a modern and varied menu and everything including the popular cakes and biscuits, is made onsite. For dessert, I couldn't go passed the Lemon Tart ($8.50) which was full of home-made 'zing', although other fan-favourites such as the Raspberry Custard Tart pitched hard for a return visit! There are gluten-free cake alternatives, as well as biscuits if you just want a sweet note to compliment coffee. A latte starts at $3.80 and there are other hot drink options which do not exceed $4.50.

Having lived in regional Victoria for 5 years, I have noticed that several attitudes that characterise country food café-restaurants: some eateries are very basic with a make-do attitude; others start out with refreshing enthusiasm but quickly descend into a similar disregard for locals and tourists 'who may not even return'; and there is another, which is to present a unique vision and then consciously uphold the vision, striving for improvement with a commitment to stay up-beat, involved and modern. Such eateries add real benefit and style to their communities and become local energy hubs. Brewer's Table belongs to that last category.

Carmen who is originally from Yea, has a clear commitment to 'local': she uses herbs grown in her café's own courtyard; has a prominent display of Yarra Valley Tea label and other regional brands; and is proud of the café's exclusive, locally sourced wine list. Vineyards in Nagambie, Strathbogie Ranges provide Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio; and wine-makers from Tallarook Ranges and Whiteheads Creek also contribute to Brewer's red wine menu. Glasses of wine range from $7-9.00 and you can expect to pay $27.50 for a bottle. Beer lovers are also looked after, with varieties of craft beer and cider available from local craftsmen and industry.

Local history is everywhere, as indeed social heritage is the heart and soul of country Victoria. Brewer's has a prominent 1885 French wall clock sourced from a local antique collection which serves as a timely reminder of the importance of community unity and support. Carmen, who has both a Diploma of Hotel Management and a background in Employment and Training, only employs local people, which enables young people to remain living at home while they study. A job at Brewer's means that towns such as Seymour do not lose their young people to big city lights.

Small country businesses are not only the face of regional Victoria, but they are increasingly needed to support community events. Survival and community spirit is turning small business, into social businesses. On the weekend of the 17-18th September, Seymour was turned 'purple' with the Relay for Life cancer fundraiser and Brewer's, through promotion and fundraising, played an active role. Every year, Brewer's Table also hosts Biggest Morning Tea events and supports Rotary-driven event-fundraisers.

Brewer's has a large, yet private and rose-bordered outdoor courtyard which is a perfect setting to enjoy Victoria's hotter months. Brewer's Table can get busy and it may pay to book especially on weekends or special occasions such as Mother's Day.