BERKEOUW BOOK BARN - A book store restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, serving beautiful food and wine, overlooking a vineyard backdrop. Perfect for a chilly day escape.
A truly fabulous day spent at the iconic and historical book barn. Just 123km or a ninety minute drive south of Sydney, the small town of Berrima is host to a stunning autumn drive and the beautiful Bendooley Estate, home of the Berkelouw Book Barn for the past forty years. Dine amongst the books, both new and rare or outside in the fresh country air. Book a table before you go! Can be enjoyed with large groups of friends, couples or families.
Stunning all year round, autumn is my particular favourite when the air becomes brisk and the warm tones of orange and red painted leaves frame the open road. As you enter the grand driveway lined with large European trees, you can feel that Bendooley Estate is steeped in history. It’s the type of place you leave Sydney and escape to for the day when you can’t afford to take the whole weekend. It’s worth it! I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated after my few hours spent here.
I usually embark on this journey at a civilised 10.30am for a midday lunch. The restaurant has two dining areas; one in the book store, complete with a grand stone fireplace, and another space out the back with a rustic suspended fireplace.
Wooden beams line the ceilings with large wrought iron chandeliers. You'll be cozy wherever you sit.
The restaurant serves up some hearty meals using fresh seasonal produce to create a rustically gourmet feast as well as some pizzas and my trusty old faithful, the Bendooley ground beef burger. Wash it all down with the Bendooley Estate home grown wine or one of their delicious cocktails. I recommend their cheese platter for dessert.
The property now has a new architecturally designed Cellar Door which sits separate to the main building. Another beautiful space where you can enjoy the atmosphere, while you're sipping on their delicious wine. They offer wine tasting during the day and dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
I usually need to walk off the overindulged boozy lunch, so after I've perused the book shelves I head outside and meander through the double gates and up the path. It's only a short walk around but lovely for an afternoon explore and photo op, the backdrop is charming and there are usually horses in the paddocks. The same can be done at the back of the restaurant through the vineyard.
Luxury cottages are also onsite, however need to be booked fairly well in advance as Bendooley Estate is a highly sought after functions/wedding venue, and rightly so!
Plenty of parking on site too.
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