As a long-time Canberra resident, I often find myself running out of things to do in our relatively quiet city. There are only a few restaurants in Canberra that I absolutely love and even they tire after 20-something visits.
So when Pialligo Estate popped up on my Facebook feed recently, I was intrigued and excited for something new and different in Canberra. The photos were something out of a magazine; I was so curious – what exactly was it going to be and when was it going to open? I was lucky enough to be invited out for a sneak preview last week and boy am I excited!
The estate has been expanded and now includes a market garden and orchards, as well as a vineyard and olive grove.
I drove into Pialligo, all the way to the end where this beautiful, breathtaking property lies. It’s surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, an abundance of fruit trees and even llamas and goats. Being out there feels like being somewhere outside of Canberra, it is just wonderful!
At this point I was itching to find out what this development was going to be. I was taken on a tour around the property, starting in this beautiful outdoor area overlooking Canberra’s rolling hills and was lost for words.
The gorgeous wood pavilions overlooking this spectacular Canberra view will be casual dining areas with an outdoor bar. I’m told the menu will be modern Australian with a French twist. Word is that the chef coming on board for this project is formerly from Vue De Monde in Melbourne – ooh la la! The pavilions will also be available for private dining, so I can imagine a few proposals taking place in this picturesque estate. In fact, Pialligo Estate has already been taking bookings for weddings this year. A word to the brides-to-be out there, this is definitely a venue to consider.
I was taken through the most amazing wooden doors inside to the stunning Farmhouse Restaurant; the building itself is just beautiful.
The Farmhouse is going to be Pialligo Estate’s main restaurant, more of a fine dining restaurant with a larger wine and dinner menu than the outside dining area. There are a number of dining areas within the Farmhouse, including private rooms, an area for larger groups and antique couches to relax on after dinner in front of the active fire place.
I took a lot of photos with the intention of showing you all of this beautiful estate, but I’ve decided to not show you everything. This project is going to be so wonderful and the photos just don’t do it justice. Everyone needs to go and see this venue for themselves.
The Farmhouse opens to the public on Friday 13 February 2015 with celebrations for Valentine’s Day happening on Sunday the 15th. I’m so excited that I’ve already booked myself in for lunch on the Sunday. (Don’t tell my boyfriend! It’s meant to be his Valentine surprise.)
The outdoor area is scheduled to open in March.
I promise you that Canberra doesn’t have anything like this and it might be a hidden secret for now, but it’s not going to be for long.
Pialligo Estate is located at 18 Kallaroo Rd, Pialligo ACT 2609
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