Whether it is a heritage-listed building or simply oozes historical charm, there are a plethora of venues around the country that offer the opportunity to dine amongst history and splendour.
From former brothels to gaols and classic country pubs, diners can choose their surroundings to suit the occasion; here are six venues where you can bask in history as well as embark on a memorable culinary journey:
Iconic Country Watering Hole
An iconic watering hole for more than a century, The Punka Pub Porepunkah is a well-loved vibrant local meeting place to enjoy sensational local produce, beer and wine. This family-friendly country pub oozes a welcoming and friendly vibe with stunning views of Mount Buffalo from the alfresco area; while indoors boasts a warming fireplace for chilly months, along with a full glass frontage letting in an abundance of natural light and fish tanks in the bathrooms.
With a history that dates back to the early days of the town, the Porepunkah Pub has been a witness to countless stories of celebration, camaraderie and community. Its rustic charm offers a nostalgic ambience that transports patrons back to simpler times, while the pub's walls are adorned with photographs and memorabilia, chronicling the rich tapestry of local history and traditions.
Named After Infamous Chinese Detective
Grab your spyglass and follow the clues to find Fook Shing restaurant on Piper Street in Kyneton. This venue, named after an infamous Chinese detective posted to the region during Victoria's Gold Rush, celebrates all things Asian from hanging red lantern lights to exposed brick, polished wooden floors and red table settings.
With numerous spaces for dining and drinking, including cosy fireplace settings on comfy couches and an alfresco deck for balmy days, take a seat beneath the portrait of Detective Shing and delve into vibrant and modern Southeast Asian cuisine, designed for sharing. Discover chicken and prawn dumplings with Szechuan sauce, before unearthing larger plates of sticky pork belly, Chinese black olive preserve and cucumber with sides of Asian greens and steamed jasmine rice.
Pentridge Prison Historic Building
Originally the building for well-behaved prisoners to make shoes and boots for prison guards, The Boot Factory is now a popular Coburg venue to catch a delectable bite to eat on Pentridge Boulevard. Since being converted, the café has breathed new life into the history of Pentridge Prison (circa 1850s), by inviting locals and visitors from afar to unwind in a series of four dining spaces, each with the charming characteristics that still remain.
As much as possible is made from scratch using local produce and time-honoured traditions, seeing guests satisfying hunger with a plate of sesame-seared tuna poké, avocado, sushi rice, charred pineapple, cucumber, seaweed salad and furikake; or wrap your hands around a Wagyu burger with bacon, relish, pickles, Swiss cheese, aioli and oak lettuce.
Iconic Beer and Building
Sample the full range of South Australia's iconic Coopers beer inside The Original Coopers Alehouse, located in the heart of Adelaide City on Pulteney Street. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends or a vibrant evening of ambient dining among rich timbers and stone walls and feel the warmth of a wood-fired oven as it cooks mouth-watering pizzas.
Grab one of the beers and ciders on tap or ask for a wine list to browse over a selection of the state's best before delving into popular pub fare, featuring fresh local produce. Alehouse schnitzels are a local favourite, so opt for a juicy chicken breast served with chips and your choice of sauce and toppings; perhaps devour a dry-aged Scotch fillet steak, with herbed garlic chat potatoes, blistered truss tomatoes, Shiraz jus and garlic butter coin.
Steeped in History
A destination eatery featuring farm gate food, local wine and fabulous coffee is what you’ll discover at The Ten Mile on Albury Street in Holbrook. Steeped in history, this recently renovated café sits inside a century-old building that once operated as the local garage and mechanic’s workshop, retaining many of the beloved features including the original concrete floor and an existing cellar.
Beautiful old farmhouse tables have been sourced from around the country giving the space a further sense of history; settle in and devour a turkey, cranberry, bacon and cream cheese bagel, or a classic chicken Caesar salad with cos, eggs, croutons and creamy dressing. Perhaps a warm Persian halloumi, lentil and roasted pumpkin bowl entices, or dip your spoon into a bowl of Greek lemon chicken soup.
Indonesian Fare at an Historic Hidden Gem
If you crave outstanding Indonesian fare created with love, try Yuni’s Kitchen on High Street in Northcote. Nestled in an historic building, this fun and funky restaurant is a hidden gem as guests gather in vibrant surrounds of red and teal walls, Balinese statues and recycled wooden furniture; setting a chilled-out vibe for enjoying dishes made from scratch using premium local produce.
Embark on your flavoursome journey with housemade vegetable spring rolls and dipping sauce, before mains such as everyone’s favourite beef rendang curry with steamed jasmine rice; perhaps opt for legendary prawn laksa soup with egg noodles, vermicelli, cabbage, carrot, choy sum, tofu, bean sprouts, spring onion and coriander.
