The Divine at YaYas - Teahouse and Gift Shop

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Posted 2015-01-17 by Jeni Wilson ⇒ follow

The sign outside says 'Teahouse, Gifts, Therapies'. This sets it aside from larger, bustling cafes. With only five tables inside and one outside this boldly eclectic teahouse, with its multicolored chandeliers, is run by a mother (Gabby) and daughter (Rebecca) team and they are 'blessed with people-oriented staff'.

I inquired about the name of the shop, as there was no evidence of mother-daughter tension that underpins the famous namesake movie. Gabrielle bought the shop with the name and as she loved the movie she said she wouldn't change it. It was busy today but she still had time to chat about it. She looked around and said 'It is what it is and we should be grateful'.

Both Gabby and Rebecca are passionate and up for a chat. I heard Gabby address many customers by name (including my mother) and hold conversations about what had been happening. It was the sort of thing you might imagine would happen in small country towns.

My mother told me that every time she came here (and her loyalty card is almost full) she saw the same little old lady. I wondered if this little old lady said the same thing about my beautiful mum.

My mum has often told me that we must go to this divine little teahouse. She said can always buy lunch and coffee for under $10. This no doubt makes it very appealing to many folk.

My mum's friend swears by the (Atomica) Award winning coffee bean (2013). Apparently she doesn't drink coffee at home but always does at Yayas. I noticed my mum had a coffee today even though she is normally a tea drinker. I cannot personally comment on the quality, as I drink neither tea nor coffee.

It's a pity this little teahouse is a bit 'off the beaten track' Rebecca mused. Macleod is not yet on the café scene map although they have a number of trendy little haunts in the main strip, which is just across from the station.

By my standards this is a lovely intimate café but Rebecca referred to it as the teahouse and gift shop her mother always wanted to have. After a couple of years, despite the beautiful gifts, the sales were not enough so to sustain it so in 2012 they changed the shop into a teahouse and gift store.

They stock unique, affordable gifts including
ECOYA candles and moisturising cream, books, clocks, fair-trade and locally created products and jewellery.

Yayas sells a range of hot and cold breakfasts and lunches, delicious looking cakes including gluten free (Sweet by Nature) and tempting biscuits.

Gabby is up early preparing food and opening the shop at 7.30 for coffees and breakfast. The simple but tasty fare includes wraps, toasties, pastries, frittata ($10 for large serve) and lasagna ($11.50). Gourmet pies are only about $6 and take away is also available.

Rebecca told me that their main focus is to provide a calm environment where people feel welcomed. To this end they have a diffuser burning oils, hand moisturising testers and they try to remember people's names and to talk to their patrons.

The Divine at YaYas is the only Melbourne café that sells Xango (a mangosteen juice from the U.S.) that is apparently the solution to 44 health problems. When I ran my eye over the list, I thought how depressing it was that I am personally acquainted with so many. Xango is $60 a bottle (or cheaper in bulk) but you only need a small amount. Rebecca said that everyone is welcome to come in and ask for a free sample of the juice. We rather liked the taste.

Unfortunately the word is starting to get out so you need to get in early to get your favorite lunch. I missed out on a wrap today and my mum her favorite chicken sandwich. Luckily we were very happy with our choice of turkey, cranberry and cheese toastie and a spinach pastry with homemade chutney.

The Divine at YaYas host all sorts of groups, such as the knitting circle on Weds and mums and bubs events. They also run special events. Rebecca's (training as a paramedic) is passionate about wellbeing, thus they run some informational events in the evenings. On Saturday they have fresh savory and sweet scones.

If you need to, make an excuse to take a trip to Macleod. All you need is a few gold coins in your pocket for a yummy lunch and coffee and you're guaranteed a big welcome by your new besties Gabby and Rebecca.