The Boat House has been one venue that's managed to get through COVID with a few ideas outside of the box. It's long been reliant on events, whether the be weddings, special events or corporate meetings.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In July, not long after re-opening post-lockdown, lunch became an option for the first time in 10 years, taking advantage of those spectacular lakeside views.
And now they've thought of an even better way for us to soak up the view at an even better time of day, opening the Armada Outdoor Bar on the vast lawn to the left of the restaurant, with expansive views over the East Basin to Kingston foreshore and the wetlands.
Styled by Canberra's most fashionable event team Show Pony Events, the popup outdoor bar will be open from the early afternoon through to the late evening, under the warm glow of festoon lighting.
You can expect exceptional food from the bar menu, designed and cooked to order by The Boat House's talented team in the restaurant kitchen.
The same creativity and emphasis on quality remains, having been translated for a more casual and approachable feel.
Think little sharing options, manchego and jamon fritters, duck croquette bao buns, baby burrattas, or lash out on Appellation oysters and king prawns. There's a couple of delicious dessert options too, with a matcha cheesecake puff, creme caramel or a Basque cheesecake with Japanese whiskey.
The beverage list presents a mix of wines, spirits and cocktails to keep you enjoying the views well into the evening. A sunset spritz would be the perfect cocktail to sip.
Owner James Souter said guests have supported changes and are excited about the latest offering
"The Boat House restaurant is the perfect place to come and enjoy a timeless premium dining experience, but we have been looking for options to provide a more casual slant for our guests to enjoy our lakeside location, he said.
"Whether an afternoon session, casual dinner, or late evening soirée Armada Outdoor Bar guests can now enjoy hospitality on the lakeside like never before."
The bar is completely open air, so operations will be dependent on the weather.
To start with the pop-up bar opening hours are from 3pm onwards on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but operating hours grow as we move into the busy summer period and the beautiful autumn afternoons.
- The bar is due to open Friday October 9 and bookings are open now. The Boat House is at Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton, and bookings can be made at theboathouse.restaurant/armada
Walk the food trail
No ordinary lunch, the Highland Valley Forage is a leisurely long stroll along a flat walk in Kangaroo Valley where you'll enjoy an eight or 10-course degustation along the way.
The Highland Valley Forage tells the story of how the Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and coast south of Sydney are connected through food and wine.
Small groups are led on an immersive foodie trail through the bush with a local knowledgeable host.
With multiple departures throughout the day in groups of 12-15 people, this degustation with a difference event can cater for large numbers while still feeling intimate and a one-of-a-kind experience.
Amanda Fry, founder of Highland Valley Forage, said an exciting menu was being planned.
"We're thrilled to be back in Kangaroo Valley supporting such a treasured hamlet," she says.
"This event is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends, eat delicious seasonal food, learn about regional wines and just be in nature."
The forage will be held on Sunday, October 25, with bookings taken at allocated times throughout the day with each group around 12-15 people.
- Eight-course degustation $175pp and 10-course degustation $195pp; both options include parking, bus each way, all food, wine and entertainment for the day as well as NSW Parks fees and GST. wildfest.com.au/product/forage