Historic Chiltern has hit a sweet spot as contemporary cafe culture breathes new life into the village.
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Late last year The Vine Chiltern opened in the Star Hotel building while the Hub 62 cafe took up residence in the Chiltern Masonic Hall.
The historic Masonic Hall, which was built of locally made red bricks in 1903, underwent a major renovation within its heritage charter.
Hub 62 co-owner Craig Royle said it took about six months to create the cafe and gallery, which opened to the public in mid-December.
Having managed hotels in Tasmania and running his own businesses in Albury-Wodonga, Mr Royle made the transition to a cafe with his partner Beth Peters and her sister Amy Peters.
Beth and Amy’s family had bought the Masonic Hall building about four years ago.
“It has been so rewarding to build the cafe and then to work here, providing such a quality new business in Chiltern for visitors to the town to experience and enjoy,” he said.
Mr Royle said there was a new vibrancy in the Chiltern food scene after Hub 62 and The Vine Chiltern opened and new operators took over The Ironbark Bistro and Tavern.
“People are coming to Chiltern for great tasting meals and great service; people have choices,” he said.
“We have locally roasted Platform 9 coffee served all day, local food products like sauces and dressings are available from the cafe to take home, handcrafted concrete planters and homewares made on site are available to purchase, and of course we love supporting local artists in the gallery too.”
The building’s Elvery Fine Art Gallery showcases a rotating collection of regional art.
With her visual arts qualifications and wide experience in the field, Beth Peters co-ordinates the gallery and sources local art for display.
“Our exhibitions change on a monthly basis with a focus on local and emerging talent,” she said.
“Our exhibition space is booked up until June 2017.”
Hub 62 donates 30 cents from each coffee sold to Chiltern Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School.
Breakfast and lunch, cakes and drinks are available six days a week, with special attention being paid to dietary requirements.
The cafe and gallery are open from 8am-4pm weekdays (closed Tuesdays) and 7.30am-4.30pm weekends.
