Luxury boutique hotel, Bannisters Pavilion at Mollymook Beach, NSW, has launched an Experience Series kicking off with the enigmatic Paul West of the River Cottage Australia TV series, providing a two-day gourmet getaway on 25 and 26 September 2016.
The Experience Series brings well-known food identities to Bannisters Pavilion for a hands-on experience designed to introduce guests to producers in the Shoalhaven region and Australia in general, and to follow the food from paddock-to-plate and from dock-to-dish.
During the two-night September adventure, Paul will share with guests some of his favourite local food experiences which include meeting Ben Ralston, a fifth-generation local oyster farmer on the Clyde River and a native food experience with indigenous elder, Noel Butler, to understand native bush foods. He will also host a three-course dinner at Bannisters Pavilion, collaborating on the menu with Bannisters Chef, Gareth Sykes, featuring a bounty of local produce and matched wines. A trained chef, farmer and South Coast local, Paul’s enthusiasm for the region and sustainable living is infectious and guests can spend time chatting about his experiences at River Cottage.
“It didn’t take long for me to say ‘yes’ when Bannisters approached me about hosting this experience. The South Coast flies under the radar and I’m a passionate supporter of producers who are right on our doorstep. Cheers to Bannisters for bringing attention to the region and supporting these local heroes,” Paul said.
Bannisters Pavilion, the South Coast’s newest boutique hotel that launched late last year, is located moments away from Mollymook Beach and features 33 suites and two luxurious penthouses. Its Rooftop Bar and Grill, complete with stunning cantilevered pool and deck lined with sun beds and umbrellas, is also open to the public.
Known for its association with UK chef and adopted Aussie Rick Stein, Bannisters Pavilion and its sister property, Bannisters by the Sea, have long championed the use of local suppliers and the Experience Series will amplify the growing number of South Coast producers who are making a name for themselves and putting the region on the map.
Other events on the calendar include a night with Rick Stein in December 2016 and in March 2017, Bannisters will welcome ‘Master of Cheese’ Will Studd and quality purveyor Simon Johnson, who will team up and host masterclasses over a two-night escape. More in the Experience Series will be announced shortly.
In other news, Sydney darlings Young Henry’s brewery and Mary’s burgers will take over the Pavilion Rooftop Bar and Grill on Saturday, 17 September from 12 to 10pm. Expect a brilliant and buzzing atmosphere with the new Yoder BBQ and smoker in action and delicious craft beers, games and good times.
Paul West Experience:
The two-night package begins at $1995 per couple and includes:
- Two nights’ accommodation at Bannisters Pavilion – Sunday, 25 and Monday, 26 September 2016
- Voucher valued at $195 to spend at either Bannisters Pavilion or Bannisters by the Sea during the trip
- Farm gate experience at Ralston Brothers Oysters, Bateman’s Bay, on a flat-bottom boat on the Clyde River
- Oyster grading and tasting with matched wines at the oyster shed
- Bush and beach trail with indigenous elder and horticulturalist Noel Butler
- Three-course dinner with matched wines at Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop Bar and Grill hosted by Paul West
- Exclusive menu by chef Gareth Sykes in collaboration with Paul West and Noel Butler to incorporate the paddock-to-plate and dock-to-dish elements
- A signed copy of Paul West’s book, The River Cottage Australia Cookbook
- Locals can also book the three-course dinner separately at $150 per person (which includes wines but no cookbook). To book, call 02 4455 3044
To book for the Paul West Experience go to http://www.bannisters.com.au/special/two-day-event-with-paul-west-river-cottage-australia.