A trip to the Upper Hunter Valley lead to a delicious three course meal at The Cottage Restaurant Scone.

The Cottage is a quaint building in the main street of Scone, boasting many of the original features from its 1860 build. It’s intimate setting instantly made me feel at home as the walls of the cottage divided seating into versatile spaces for both larger and smaller groups.

The historic yet modern charm of the building drew me in as I was seated at a private table hidden from larger busier groups of diners. This was a great touch as a lone diner.

I was looked after extremely well as soon as I entered the building and the service remained exceptional throughout the entire experience. Every course I ordered came out within a very timely manner and my champagne glass was topped up accordingly.

I started with the Whipped Binorrie fetta, heirloom tomato, roasted baby beetroot & herb oil, a light and refreshing dish. The fetta was divine, and all ingredients complimented one another with each full-flavoured bite. I couldn’t wait for the main.

My main was the Chermoula chicken burger with cheese, slaw & mint yogurt served with chips. The Chicken was tender, and the mint yoghurt gave the burger a creamy, tangy touch. I downed the burger and the very crunchy chips and found myself tempted by the dessert menu.

As I was waiting for my last course Colin Selwood, the Chef and Owner, gave me the amazing opportunity to visit their famous dry aging room. The grass-fed beef available on the menu is hung in this purpose built, humidity-controlled room for a minimum of 6 weeks before being served in the restaurant, along with some aging cheeses.

My dessert followed, the salted caramel & malt teaser ice cream bombe with raspberry coulis, and they definitely saved the best for last. Each mouth-watering bite had me excited for the next as the rich ice cream melted around the crunch of the crumbled biscuit base. And not to forget the raspberry coulis which was the perfect addition to sweeten each mouthful.

I was devastated when I finished the meal and honestly could have forced down another three plates just to experience that taste again, but I thought I’d give my bursting jeans a break and asked for the bill.

All in all, my sunny day trip to our beautiful Upper Hunter was made truly memorable by my dining experience at The Cottage. I’ll definitely be back for more dessert in the