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Gail Thomas reveals a great gathering spot at the Geelong Botanic Gardens in Victoria.
If you are making a visit to the Geelong Botanic Gardens to meet friends, where you meet might not be at the main gate. Across the sweeping lawn and under the canopy of shady trees is café WYM (Where You Meet). Opened in 1992 as the Tea House and run by Friends of the Gardens volunteers it was later leased to various independent operators. A new extended verandah has been recently installed with Kira Hunn becoming the café’s newest proprietor.
Kira’s experience in hospitality and horticulture crossed paths when she was working at Poppy’s Nursery at Anglesea in the café. She was prompted to enrol in Cert III at Gordon TAFE and while studying, picked up a roll with Wombat Gully Nursery. This led to the launch of her own business, KIKI Garden Designs, advising, consulting and designing for DIYers who need guidance. She also worked for Trifecta Landscape Designs and Consultancy as a landscape labourer, building practical knowledge/skillset on hardscaping and irrigation. With more than 15 years’ experience in a diverse array of hospitality jobs Kira’s vision for WYM is as an all-inclusive space for the whole family while enjoying the peaceful nature of the Gardens.
“Above all, we want WYM to be a place that people feel a part of and comfortable coming to, no matter how they are feeling, with our people at the heart of creating such a lovely and welcoming space,” Kira explains.
“Most of our food is made on-site. We offer a ready-to-eat style daily menu, primarily toasties and wraps, all with local produce and house-made goodness. We also offer delicious cakes and pastries, either sourced in Geelong or made in-house.
“Once we acquire our liquor license, we would love to transform the menu to be based on sharing, tapas style or something similar, and also include catering for wedding ceremonies. Takeaway and picnic packages will always be incredibly important to us, so people can enjoy our products within the Gardens, but with the freedom of finding their own quiet spots.”
WYM maybe a spot for a future HMAA picnic!
More information
Geelong Botanic Gardens is in Eastern Park (Corner of Eastern Park Circuit and Podbury Drive, East Geelong), a short stroll from the CBD and the beach.
For more information on WYM see the website.
