One of six siblings growing up on Burrongong Station at Oaklands, produce was plentiful but it was all hands on deck too.

"My mum and Grandma were very good bakers," she said.

"I have four younger brothers and I was always baking for their recess and lunch boxes to earn a bit of extra pocket money.

"My passion for food came from living on the farm and always having a vegetable and herb garden and Dad killed our own meat."

With a degree in International Studies, Annabelle transferred into hospitality and became Event Manager at All Saints Estate.

Having moved to Beechworth early last year, Annabelle was looking for a space for a new eatery when Peddlar came on the market.

After a month-long renovation, Collective opened to the public in March.

Together with chef Ameena Paul, Annabelle has devised an innovative autumn breakfast and lunch menu rooted in North East produce.

Collective now has a liquor licence and will soon offer alcohol.

MEET MORE HOMEGROWN CHEFS:

What's your favourite autumn dish?

Anything with mushrooms. There's lots of great pine mushrooms around at the moment.

What's your favourite season?

Autumn

What are the staples in your pantry now?

Flour, sugar, vanilla beans, eggs, butter; standard cake ingredients.

What is your earliest cooking memory?

Making chocolate truffles with Grandma with sticky hands around the kitchen table.

Which ingredients do you grow yourself?

I don't have room at the moment but I get ingredients from home; quinces, apples, pears and greens.

Which six people would you invite to dinner?

Six of my best friends.

What is your favourite foodie ritual?

Putting coffee on the stovetop in the morning and having the smell go through the house.

What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.

Wentworth

What did you have for dinner last night?

Kimchi, chickpeas, quinoa and seasonal vegetable salad

What are you drinking at the moment?

Partner Peter Graham's Domenica Nebbiolo and pinot noir

Details:

Collective,

40 Ford Street, Beechworth

Instagram: @collective.beechworth

Open 7am to 3pm daily, except Thursdays