Station Coffee

Station Coffee on Methven's Forest Drive began life as a little white trailer parked across from the Blue Pub. Today, it's one of the busiest rooms in town, sharing its sprawling, high-ceilinged home with sister business Farmhouse Design & Décor.

Both Station and Farmhouse are run by the Elliot family, who moved down from Cambridge and pooled their talents, covering everything from graphic design to barista shifts. Though the phrase gets tossed around these days, it really is a family affair beneath their gabled roof.

Huge exposed timber trusses are strung with festoons and fairy lights. White brick complements black enamel pendants and a panelled counter, and hoops of dried flowers float overhead, cradled by stretched parasols. Round timber tables and bentwood chairs fill one side, Farmhouse's painted dressers stacked with cushions, candles, soaps and soft toys the other. To coin a term: barnhouse chic, with a healthy side of provincial hospitality.

And on that hospitality: the cabinet is built for grab-and-go, with no cooked breakfast menu to slow things down. Expect plump cheese scones and muffins, glistening danishes and dense brownies, plus a shelf of baking made with gluten-free ingredients, and Darfield's legendary pies.

Families are especially well looked after, with a dedicated play area complete with a pint-sized grocer's stall and a puppet theatre. Such arrangements should buy time for a second cup, which you'll no doubt crave - what really centres Station's offering is the coffee. Ozone beans are brewed and poured with a loving touch. Have yours while it's hot and let Farmhouse handle the gift wrapping.

Whether you arrive in muddy gumboots or shiny heels, the Elliots welcome everyone. And although things have changed since the days of the coffee cart, the warm service certainly hasn't.