Being brought up in the country, I do have a tendency to like things a little bit rustic. When we stepped foot into Saddles property at Mt White, I instantly connected to its theming and it brought back fond memories of a country life. Together, we both like weekend getaways, so the fact that Saddles is only an hours drive from Sydney makes for the perfect little getaway.
Saddles is a stunning bakery, cafe and restaurant at Mt White. Heading up the M2, just after the Mooney Mooney Brooklyn bridge on the way to the Central Coast, you'll find a turn off to Mt White. Saddles is found about 10 minutes down the road, inconspicuously sign posted. The turnoff which may be missed if you haven't planned a visit. However, as we drive in, we see it's completely packed. From what we hear, it's booked out 3 weeks in advance. Rightfully so, Saddles is outstanding in every regards. It is an absolute gold mine and one of the most picturesque places we've been.
John Singleton, entrepreneur (of Bon Pavilion, as featured in another of our posts, and owner of a number of other locations on the Central Coast) purchased this 10 hectare property, built a man made dam and the overlooking bakery and restaurant, all amongst the stunning bush backdrop. Sit in the restaurant, look out at the view and you will be completely relaxed.
With oldies on road trips, families having celebrations and a few couples too, it's perfect for any guest. We describe the space as bush elegance.
A large wooden cottage featuring iron bark beams, a fireplace as the focal point, opening both into the lounge and outdoor dining areas. Velvet and brass lounges are draped in furs, and tables feature interior design books, candles, dropped pendant lights - the styling is on point.
Artisan Saddles are hand crafted by Heath Harris, featuring as amazing chairs utilised for bar seating. There's also a beautifully crafted piano off to the side of the bar, another great feature.
This well considered styling continues on into the bathroom with cast iron sinks, brass taps and huge brass rimmed mirrors.
An open kitchen allows you to see the staff in the kitchen at work, and it is clear they are super busy and plating the meals with precision and efficiency.
Saddles bakery and restaurant serves breakfast and lunch as well as a dinner menu on Fridays.
We're here for the brunch menu, for choice of drinks there were freshly made juices, milkshakes, coffees and even a morning mimosa or a Bloody Mary. We have a coffee, the house blend. Smooth and not too strong.
Spoilt with choice, it is difficult to order, as there were many options we liked the sound of. We often like to share a number of items under these circumstances
The house made granola, with pecan, oats, dried fig, cranberries, other roasted nuts and served with a thick creamy fromage blanc, and poached rhubarb. We really enjoyed this choice and find it's the perfect rustic dish for this venue.
Followed up by the asparagus and eggs dish which is brightly coloured with its greens, served with mushrooms, tomatoes (to replace avo which had sold out). It was topped with a pistachio crumb, spring herbs and a lemon dressing. The eggs were nicely poached, making for a spectacular yolk explosion when piecing the eggs.
Waffles, corn fritters and poached trout are amongst the other menu choices, but we needed to leave space for something that caught Kurt's eye instantaneously, the pork & fennel sausage roll with house made sauce. This sausage roll was gigantic, with a golden crisp pastry, nice and flakey, the filling a flavourful, moist sausage mix. This is now added to our list of favourite sausage rolls.
We finish off with a patisserie item, their famous lamination. A fluffy sponge, filled with jam and coated with daintree chocolate and sprinkled with roasted coconut. A crowd favourite.
This is one the best brunch menus we've seen in a while, we love the use of ethically sourced local produce, house made ingredients and the care taken into making each dish. We look forward to returning to try more and also samping their dinner menu.
Whilst you're here, take a walk around the stunning site. It features full time staff working on the landscape and gardening and there's also an on-site nursery selling flowers, succulents, plants and even horse riding gear. We purchase ourselves a little indoor plant on our way out.
We recommend booking at least three weeks in advance, as they are super busy. There's a few lounge seats for walk ins, but I wouldn't take a risk as you don't want to miss out. They also do takeaway pastries and coffee.
Put Saddles on your foodie destination and culinary bucket list, for it is absolutely worth the trip. read more