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The Age
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
This gold-rush town has plenty of pubs. But there's a lot to love at this nostalgic brewpub
From a tiny craft brewing operation to a full-blown bar and bistro, Love Shack proves the best country pubs are no longer the oldest. Previous SlideNext Slide Pub dining$$$$ There are a few things you can count on in Victoria's gold-rush towns. Grand, optimistic civic buildings line wide roads. There are many churches. Street corners will be inhabited by handsome pubs. Castlemaine, an hour and a half north-west of Melbourne, had dozens of pubs in its 19th-century heyday, places for prospectors to celebrate, commiserate and gather in hope. You wouldn't think there'd be any need to create a pub on a wholly new site, but here's Love Shack, sprouting up among the existing high-street shops and giving the old-school hotels a 21st-century kick-along. It's a vibe. Plaid-shirted arty types sit on the pavement with pots of lager and smash-pattie burgers. Day trippers from the city stash a haul of secondhand clothes in their front-bar booth and settle in for Sunday roast. There's a roar by the pool table as an eight-ball rockets into a middle pocket. Love Shack is in a sweet spot: locals love it and the pub loves them right back. Regulars compare their footy tipping tally: one's ahead on AFL, the other is smashing it in AFLW. I'm third in line at the bar, reading a poster advertising a Wax On event where anyone can bring in three vinyl records or CDs to play. If you lived here, would you ever have a night on the couch? There is so much happening at Love Shack seven days a week, and it's inclusive and friendly. Love Shack started as a tiny craft brewery in 2021, when ex-Stomping Ground employees Conna Mallett and Harry Cox set up a brew kit out the back of the Theatre Royal. They partnered with designer Todd Vanneste and powered on with branding and brewing, developing beers that are well-crafted and quaffable, rather than wacky and attention-grabbing. After a year, the owners put in a bar and made toasties, then two years ago they brought in a chef and boosted the menu. Just two months ago, they expanded into the cafe next door and turned it into a bistro. What the hell, guys, you made a pub! The look is nostalgic, crafted with fondness and a bowerbird's eye for cool stuff abandoned on nature strips. There are Australiana prints, timber panelling and swirly carpet. There's sport on TV in the front bar, table service in the new bistro and fun times throughout. Chef Joel Baylon is a Castlemaine boy who left 20 years ago when people were more likely to chat about the town's huge bacon factory than its dining options. Baylon cooked and learned at places including two-hatted Aru and The Moon wine bar, where he was head chef. Coming home for a quiet country life was the plan; sorry, Joel, you've got a hit on your hands. The menu is proudly pub food, but there's also a bit of small-plate wine-bar pizzazz and a sprinkling of misty-eyed nostalgia. How else to think about the vol-au-vent, filled with mushrooms, parmesan cream and a jaunty tangle of balsamic-dressed frisee? Whitebait was a customer suggestion: chips are one thing, crisp little battered fish with aioli and lemon are a better thing. Scotch eggs are all about the reveal: is the yolk gooey, the mince layer moist and tasty within its crumb casing? This rendition is 'yes' all the way through and gets a 'hell yeah' for its vegan XO dressing made with roasted almonds and chilli crisp. Baylon is having some good chats with Cliffords Quality Cuts, the butcher up the road. The shop is using local beef to make patties for the diner-style cheeseburger, and preparing cuts such as the Barnsley chop, a double-sided lamb loin that's on the menu as a special. Obviously, there's a parma. This one is made with smoked mozzarella and the kitchen's own sugo. Love Shack is in a sweet spot: locals love it and the pub loves them right back. Visitors to town can lock into the feedback loop just by walking through the door. Castlemaine's gold rush is long past, but the prospecting is excellent. Three more country pubs to try Parker Street Project The Royal Mail is home to fine dining restaurant Wickens, which has its own pavilion, but there's also the Parker Street front bar and bistro in the old pub. Much of the produce is grown in a nearby market garden. Bar snacks include chicken wings with house-made hot sauce, a fried chicken burger, and a ploughman's platter with local cheese. 108 Parker Street, Dunkeld, Criterion Hotel Built in 1865, extensively renovated in 2013, and with new owner Chad De Lany (ex-Flinders Hotel) coming on board in 2019, the Cri is the kind of pub that makes a town, with good accommodation and hearty feeds for those passing through. The menu has everything from baked camembert to Korean fried chicken and local Gippsland steaks, with regional wine on the pour too. 90 MacAlister Street, Sale, Swiss Mountain Hotel Just west of Daylesford, this single-storey weatherboard pub has also been pouring beers since 1865. New management has recently taken over, and the happy hour is keen. Come for pub classics, craft beer and a chat under the old-timey verandah.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
This gold-rush town has plenty of pubs. But there's a lot to love at this nostalgic brewpub
From a tiny craft brewing operation to a full-blown bar and bistro, Love Shack proves the best country pubs are no longer the oldest. Previous SlideNext Slide Pub dining$$$$ There are a few things you can count on in Victoria's gold-rush towns. Grand, optimistic civic buildings line wide roads. There are many churches. Street corners will be inhabited by handsome pubs. Castlemaine, an hour and a half north-west of Melbourne, had dozens of pubs in its 19th-century heyday, places for prospectors to celebrate, commiserate and gather in hope. You wouldn't think there'd be any need to create a pub on a wholly new site, but here's Love Shack, sprouting up among the existing high-street shops and giving the old-school hotels a 21st-century kick-along. It's a vibe. Plaid-shirted arty types sit on the pavement with pots of lager and smash-pattie burgers. Day trippers from the city stash a haul of secondhand clothes in their front-bar booth and settle in for Sunday roast. There's a roar by the pool table as an eight-ball rockets into a middle pocket. Love Shack is in a sweet spot: locals love it and the pub loves them right back. Regulars compare their footy tipping tally: one's ahead on AFL, the other is smashing it in AFLW. I'm third in line at the bar, reading a poster advertising a Wax On event where anyone can bring in three vinyl records or CDs to play. If you lived here, would you ever have a night on the couch? There is so much happening at Love Shack seven days a week, and it's inclusive and friendly. Love Shack started as a tiny craft brewery in 2021, when ex-Stomping Ground employees Conna Mallett and Harry Cox set up a brew kit out the back of the Theatre Royal. They partnered with designer Todd Vanneste and powered on with branding and brewing, developing beers that are well-crafted and quaffable, rather than wacky and attention-grabbing. After a year, the owners put in a bar and made toasties, then two years ago they brought in a chef and boosted the menu. Just two months ago, they expanded into the cafe next door and turned it into a bistro. What the hell, guys, you made a pub! The look is nostalgic, crafted with fondness and a bowerbird's eye for cool stuff abandoned on nature strips. There are Australiana prints, timber panelling and swirly carpet. There's sport on TV in the front bar, table service in the new bistro and fun times throughout. Chef Joel Baylon is a Castlemaine boy who left 20 years ago when people were more likely to chat about the town's huge bacon factory than its dining options. Baylon cooked and learned at places including two-hatted Aru and The Moon wine bar, where he was head chef. Coming home for a quiet country life was the plan; sorry, Joel, you've got a hit on your hands. The menu is proudly pub food, but there's also a bit of small-plate wine-bar pizzazz and a sprinkling of misty-eyed nostalgia. How else to think about the vol-au-vent, filled with mushrooms, parmesan cream and a jaunty tangle of balsamic-dressed frisee? Whitebait was a customer suggestion: chips are one thing, crisp little battered fish with aioli and lemon are a better thing. Scotch eggs are all about the reveal: is the yolk gooey, the mince layer moist and tasty within its crumb casing? This rendition is 'yes' all the way through and gets a 'hell yeah' for its vegan XO dressing made with roasted almonds and chilli crisp. Baylon is having some good chats with Cliffords Quality Cuts, the butcher up the road. The shop is using local beef to make patties for the diner-style cheeseburger, and preparing cuts such as the Barnsley chop, a double-sided lamb loin that's on the menu as a special. Obviously, there's a parma. This one is made with smoked mozzarella and the kitchen's own sugo. Love Shack is in a sweet spot: locals love it and the pub loves them right back. Visitors to town can lock into the feedback loop just by walking through the door. Castlemaine's gold rush is long past, but the prospecting is excellent. Three more country pubs to try Parker Street Project The Royal Mail is home to fine dining restaurant Wickens, which has its own pavilion, but there's also the Parker Street front bar and bistro in the old pub. Much of the produce is grown in a nearby market garden. Bar snacks include chicken wings with house-made hot sauce, a fried chicken burger, and a ploughman's platter with local cheese. 108 Parker Street, Dunkeld, Criterion Hotel Built in 1865, extensively renovated in 2013, and with new owner Chad De Lany (ex-Flinders Hotel) coming on board in 2019, the Cri is the kind of pub that makes a town, with good accommodation and hearty feeds for those passing through. The menu has everything from baked camembert to Korean fried chicken and local Gippsland steaks, with regional wine on the pour too. 90 MacAlister Street, Sale, Swiss Mountain Hotel Just west of Daylesford, this single-storey weatherboard pub has also been pouring beers since 1865. New management has recently taken over, and the happy hour is keen. Come for pub classics, craft beer and a chat under the old-timey verandah.
Time Out
04-08-2025
- Time Out
Looking for a farmstay in NSW? You're not alone – "agritourism" is Australia's new travel trend
Ever dreamt of fleeing the city and spending your days collecting eggs and baking bread in a farmhouse kitchen? You're not alone. And while, for many of us, the cottagecore country existence is still just a pipe dream, holidays to the countryside are the next best thing. Over the past few years, farmstays and 'agritourism' experiences in NSW have been on the up, with some of the state's most lusted-after stays incorporating some kind of farm-style experience (everything from luxury farmstays to foraging workshops and fruit picking). In fact, new data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) has just confirmed that Regional NSW is Australia's leading destination for visitors seeking agritourism experiences. According to the data, 700,000 international visitors to NSW participated in agritourism experiences in 2024 alone, with participation in agritourism activities up. According to the data, visitors who engage with agritourism activities spend 9.1 per cent more per trip compared with people who don't get their hands dirty (so to speak). Plus, visitor expenditure by agritourism-ready international tourists was up 22 per cent year on year. With so many magical farmstays, cellar doors, orchards and vineyards to explore in NSW, we don't blame them. To help you kickstart your agritourism adventure, we've rounded up a few of our faves in the state. On Diego Bonetto's immersive mushroom foraging tours, you'll be taught all about the art of foraging and the fascinating world of fungi. Luxury farmstays at Barranca Kangaroo Valley At this magical eco-luxe farmstay, you can feed the farm animals before eating your own, locally-sourced breakfast hamper from an architecturally-designed cabin looking out across the rolling farmland. Set on a 1,000-acre property a few hours south of Sydney, Barranca Kangaroo Valley is agritourism in its most luxurious form. Oyster shucking and more at Narooma Oyster Festival This delightful foodie fest is a celebration of everyone's favourite mollusc: the anything-but-humble oyster. Over two shucking fun days, you'll get the chance to connect with oyster farmers, join oyster shucking masterclasses and, of course, knock a few back. At the 2023 event, 70,000 oysters were consumed over two days, and the festival has become the largest food and wine event in southern NSW. Fruit picking and cherry pie making at Ballinaclash At this charming, family-run vineyard and orchard, you can pick your own cherries then join a cherry pie making class before settling in for a wine tasting. Arrive hungry – the cherry ice-cream is the best you'll ever taste. Camel riding and goat cuddling at Silverton Outback Camels This incredibly Australiana farmstay is home to an extensive family of adorable goats, sheep, piggies and ponies, whom you'll find happily lazing in the outback sunshine. The farm is also home to a group of camels, and guests can book in for a camel ride around the stunning outback Picnics with alpacas at Bilpin Cider Company At this cellar door and orchard in the Blue Mountains, you can eat a slice of freshly baked apple pie while the local alpacas graze in their paddock just steps from your table. According to the NSW Government, things aren't slowing down in the agritourism space, with more to come over the next few years and Destination NSW hosting a special AgriTourism Summit to help boost the industry and support emerging and established operators. 'Agritourism is key to future-proofing our regional visitor economies – drawing travellers to the four corners of the state, from the Northern Rivers to the Riverina, and Port Stephens to Parkes,' explained Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper. These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney.
Herald Sun
23-07-2025
- Herald Sun
Review: Russell Boutique Hotel, The Rocks, Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. An opportunity to travel back to the 19th century and enjoy a unique stay steeped in rich Sydney history? It's possible at family owned The Russell Boutique Hotel which, along with Sydney's oldest pub, Fortune of War, has just reopened after a meticulous five-year renovation. The location The Russell sits in the sandstone precinct of The Rocks. For those thinking about a pre- or post-cruise stay, locations don't come more convenient than this. Surrounded by the sandstone buildings of The Rocks, the hotel - directly across the road from the Museum of Contemporary Art - is a five minute walk from both Circular Quay Station and the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Enjoy a local Dreamtime or The Rocks walking tour, dine at Quay, say yes to BridgeClimb, shop The Rocks Markets, or explore the harbour by ferry or on foot. Just don't forget a drink at Fortune of War, which has been serving ice-cold beer since 1828. The vibe The Bistro 1828 Bar at The Russell. Picture: Kitti Gould. Originally built as the Port Jackson hotel and reincarnated as the Russell Private Hospital in the 1930s, owners Steve and Fiona Speed aren't exaggerating when they say there's 'a story in every corner of these walls'. Although carefully updated to introduce modern amenities while retaining its old world charm, the quirks of this 28-room property are everywhere - from the rabbit warren of hallways and stairs leading to rooms which aren't in any kind of numerical order, to the multitude of colours used to brighten the common areas. Happily, charm wins out over confusion, with the blue-hued sitting room, and a spacious rooftop with partial views of the Harbour Bridge proving to be particular highlights. The room Marvellous detail at The Russell's rooms. Picture: David Li. Unlike chain hotels, there is no uniformity here; each of the property's rooms vary widely both in terms of size and decor. A common thread? Each room features its own piece of antique furniture, be it bedside tables, a chair or even the original and ornate marble fireplaces, striking wallpaper - many with a classic Australiana design - and custommade, upholstered bedheads. My room, a spacious Timeless suite, overlooks First Fleet Park and George Street, and is one of 20 featuring an ensuite (with a generous tub, no less). Its antique desk, armchairs, large wardrobe with minibar and a bouquet of sweet-scented lilies hark back to another time, but a flat screen, universal adaptors and alarm clock with wireless charging - not to mention its newly added air conditioning units- bring The Russell into the modern day. The remaining eight rooms have shared bathroom facilities, and according to manager Valentin, are among some of the property's most popular. The dining Try the beef and Guinness stew. Picture: Kitti Gould. Down the winding staircase where Bistro 1828, Fortune of War's new dining venue, sits, you'll likely take a seat expecting classic pub fare that befits the heritage timber interiors. Parmigiana and bangers and mash are certainly represented, but for those who prefer something a little more adventurous, executive chef Mark Williamson (ex Bistro Moncur) has elevated the food offerings to include the likes of prawn linguine and Greek lamb salad. Breakfast is included with every stay, and while The Fortune of War Big Breakfast is a clear favourite with diners, you have the option to choose two items from the Something Light menu, or a main from the Fortune of War classics (plus an add-on if your main is priced under $20). The extras Comfy common rooms at The Russell Hotel. Simplicity done well is the motto here, so while there are no traditional 'hotel' facilities (gym etc) to speak of, hot and cold zip water taps are located on each floor and very much appreciated, as is the rooftop laundry. Add to that a line of bathroom amenities available to buy at reception - as well as a signature scent inspired by native botanica - and live music from the beer garden below (luckily, the musician has a great set list), and you've got most senses covered. What's hot? There's no duplicating the character and charm of the property which anchors you to The Rocks' history and location. It's like Playing Beatie Bow, but for adults who yearn for a certain level of comfort with their time travel. What's not? Powerpoints were located so far from my beautiful antique desk that it was rendered useless, leaving me to work from bed. The verdict: 8/10 The perfect pre- or post- cruise accommodation for those keen to immerse themselves in Sydney's colonial history, but also enjoy some of the city's landmarks mere moments from your door. Rooms at The Russell Boutique Hotel start from $300 and include a hearty breakfast. For further information visit Originally published as Review: Russell Boutique Hotel, The Rocks, Sydney
Courier-Mail
23-07-2025
- Courier-Mail
Review: Russell Boutique Hotel, The Rocks, Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. An opportunity to travel back to the 19th century and enjoy a unique stay steeped in rich Sydney history? It's possible at family owned The Russell Boutique Hotel which, along with Sydney's oldest pub, Fortune of War, has just reopened after a meticulous five-year renovation. The location The Russell sits in the sandstone precinct of The Rocks. For those thinking about a pre- or post-cruise stay, locations don't come more convenient than this. Surrounded by the sandstone buildings of The Rocks, the hotel - directly across the road from the Museum of Contemporary Art - is a five minute walk from both Circular Quay Station and the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Enjoy a local Dreamtime or The Rocks walking tour, dine at Quay, say yes to BridgeClimb, shop The Rocks Markets, or explore the harbour by ferry or on foot. Just don't forget a drink at Fortune of War, which has been serving ice-cold beer since 1828. The vibe The Bistro 1828 Bar at The Russell. Picture: Kitti Gould. Originally built as the Port Jackson hotel and reincarnated as the Russell Private Hospital in the 1930s, owners Steve and Fiona Speed aren't exaggerating when they say there's 'a story in every corner of these walls'. Although carefully updated to introduce modern amenities while retaining its old world charm, the quirks of this 28-room property are everywhere - from the rabbit warren of hallways and stairs leading to rooms which aren't in any kind of numerical order, to the multitude of colours used to brighten the common areas. Happily, charm wins out over confusion, with the blue-hued sitting room, and a spacious rooftop with partial views of the Harbour Bridge proving to be particular highlights. The room Marvellous detail at The Russell's rooms. Picture: David Li. Unlike chain hotels, there is no uniformity here; each of the property's rooms vary widely both in terms of size and decor. A common thread? Each room features its own piece of antique furniture, be it bedside tables, a chair or even the original and ornate marble fireplaces, striking wallpaper - many with a classic Australiana design - and custommade, upholstered bedheads. My room, a spacious Timeless suite, overlooks First Fleet Park and George Street, and is one of 20 featuring an ensuite (with a generous tub, no less). Its antique desk, armchairs, large wardrobe with minibar and a bouquet of sweet-scented lilies hark back to another time, but a flat screen, universal adaptors and alarm clock with wireless charging - not to mention its newly added air conditioning units- bring The Russell into the modern day. The remaining eight rooms have shared bathroom facilities, and according to manager Valentin, are among some of the property's most popular. The dining Try the beef and Guinness stew. Picture: Kitti Gould. Down the winding staircase where Bistro 1828, Fortune of War's new dining venue, sits, you'll likely take a seat expecting classic pub fare that befits the heritage timber interiors. Parmigiana and bangers and mash are certainly represented, but for those who prefer something a little more adventurous, executive chef Mark Williamson (ex Bistro Moncur) has elevated the food offerings to include the likes of prawn linguine and Greek lamb salad. Breakfast is included with every stay, and while The Fortune of War Big Breakfast is a clear favourite with diners, you have the option to choose two items from the Something Light menu, or a main from the Fortune of War classics (plus an add-on if your main is priced under $20). The extras Comfy common rooms at The Russell Hotel. Simplicity done well is the motto here, so while there are no traditional 'hotel' facilities (gym etc) to speak of, hot and cold zip water taps are located on each floor and very much appreciated, as is the rooftop laundry. Add to that a line of bathroom amenities available to buy at reception - as well as a signature scent inspired by native botanica - and live music from the beer garden below (luckily, the musician has a great set list), and you've got most senses covered. What's hot? There's no duplicating the character and charm of the property which anchors you to The Rocks' history and location. It's like Playing Beatie Bow, but for adults who yearn for a certain level of comfort with their time travel. What's not? Powerpoints were located so far from my beautiful antique desk that it was rendered useless, leaving me to work from bed. The verdict: 8/10 The perfect pre- or post- cruise accommodation for those keen to immerse themselves in Sydney's colonial history, but also enjoy some of the city's landmarks mere moments from your door. Rooms at The Russell Boutique Hotel start from $300 and include a hearty breakfast. For further information visit Originally published as Review: Russell Boutique Hotel, The Rocks, Sydney
