Dressed in pale pinks, macramé hangers and fake flamingos, the Pickers Union is a vision of Miami Art-Deco style. After five years dreaming about opening a cafe, husband and wife Sev and Bek Lah left their jobs as a carpenter and a disability support worker to open the spot in 2013.

The cafe’s fit-out was designed by Sev, Bek and consultants from the Hunter Gatherer Group. Timber tables, plenty of greenery and lots of sunlight give the cafe a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The pièce de résistance is a custom-made golden unicorn head that surveys the cafe from its perch on the wall.

The menus are always fun and seasonal and focus on new and exciting flavour combinations. Bek’s desserts fly out the door and her jam-doughnut muffins are something of a local legend. Coffee is by local roaster Coffee Cartel. A warm and friendly team rounds out the experience.

Regulars can and do spend the day at the Pickers – a door at the back end of the cafe opens onto the Geelong Vintage Market.