Geelong and gourmet are not often used in the same breath. Sure, if you walk down the average street and try to find a great coffee and breakfast you might be disappointed. But a bit of research goes a long way.

The night before we were wandering around on a quiet Wednesday and spotted Freckleduck during our travels. With some confirmatory Google searches we gave it a try the very next morning.

It is casually fitted out with comfortable furnishings; old light wooden tables in particular, with the stripped back brick wall providing a bit of pizzazz. The staff are friendly and there is a nice feel.

There are several dishes on the menu that sound excellent, but after eight courses the night before at Gladioli we are keen for some simple bacon and eggs. Simple bacon is not available, so we go for the maple bacon and it is as decadent as it sounds, but still fatty enough to soak up some of the matching wines from last night!

The eggs are perfectly poached and the grainy bread delicious. On top of this the Nicaraguan single origin is excellent and made on a Synesso machine. I had two and for some reason while the first was good, the second was even better.

I know Geelong is not the country. It could certainly not be described as quaint. But there is a lot to like about the surroundings, and you can find plenty to like in the immediate vicinity if you care to look before dismissing. Freckleduck is a good reminder of the quality on offer.