This new sunlit restaurant on an award-winning Hunter Valley estate needs to be on your wine country hit list
Opened in May this year, the fire-fuelled restaurant brings together punchy Iberian flavours and fine vino in a sunlit, communal-style space that's the stuff of long lunch dreams. The 130-seat dining room features both indoor and alfresco seating – making it an ideal spot for your next weekend away with friends in the Hunter.
Iron Gate Kitchen is helmed by head chef Lara Hagan (ex- Circa 1876), with talented general manager Harrison Plant (ex- EXP) leading the front of house.
Hagan says: "In the winter, especially at Iron Gate Kitchen, it is all about bright sun-drenched courtyard lunches with seafood and semillon. Pair this then with a dinner elsewhere in the Valley that has a fireplace and serves big juicy reds, alongside with some really refined countryside produce. I swear you'll find some of the best cooked lamb of your life in the Hunter."
Menu highlights include golden and crisp salt cod croquettes brightened with lemon juice; wood-fired flatbread topped with creamy stracciatella, 'nduja and fresh basil; slow-cooked caramelised lamb shoulder with a zippy salsa verde; and sizzling garlic prawns.
Iron Gate Kitchen's wine list features Iron Gate Estate's award-winning drops by head winemaker Geoff Broadfield, who has been making wines in the region for more than 40 years – backed up by vino from friends across the Valley. Cocktails-wise, my pick is the Blood Orange Margarita, best enjoyed on the grass at sunset.
The beautiful architecture and chic, sun-drenched interior design is by Emilie Delalande of Etic – the same gun behind Redfern's colourful Southeast Asian eatery, Island Radio.
Also a bonus: Iron Gate Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – which is good news if you're feeling a little dusty in the AM and no one in your crew is keen to warm up the pans.
And one more thing: Iron Gate Estate's Spanish-style villa, which sleeps up to 15 guests and boasts a lush swimming pool, stunning European design and plenty of entertaining areas, is available for hire. Hello, birthday parties, hen's dos and weekends away with your people. Take it from me – it'll be a weekend for the memory books.
You can find out more and book here.
Address: 178 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320.
Where to drink, eat and stay in the Hunter Valley.
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