Buchan has welcomed a new addition to its local business landscape with the opening of The Willow Cafe, operated by local resident Laura.
Set inside a charming, near-century-old cottage, the new business was born out of Laura’s desire to preserve the historic venue and fill a local gap for specialty coffee and community gathering spaces.
Since opening, the response from locals and visitors alike has quickly exceeded expectations.
Laura brings extensive industry experience to the venture, having managed successful cafes across Australia and New Zealand before operating her own mobile coffee business for several years prior to starting a family.
The Willow Cafe offers a curated menu tailored to both weekday commuters and weekend visitors.
From Wednesday to Saturday, between 8.30am and 1pm, the cafe serves a wide range of loaded toasties on locally made sourdough, alongside fresh cabinet food, specialty coffee and cakes.
On Sundays, the focus shifts to cooked breakfasts from 9am to 12pm, showcasing homemade and locally sourced ingredients.
Early favourites among patrons have included the hearty Stockmans big breakfast and traditional Lambs fry.
For Laura, the opening of the cafe is deeply connected to her personal journey in East Gippsland.
A Buchan resident for eight years, she first arrived in the region during a period of personal tragedy.
“I have found the absolute best village to raise my girls in,” Laura said.
The cottage itself holds a rich legacy within the township.
Built in 1928 by local Harry Dalley for his four daughters, the building has been known as “The Willow” for almost a century.
With the building’s 100-year anniversary approaching in 2028, Laura expressed gratitude for her role as its current custodian.
“I feel very humbled to have the opportunity to be part of this story, especially when it comes up to 100 years of The Willow,” she said.
