The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is home to The Botanic Lodge, a new restaurant by Blanco Horner Hospitality.
In the space of the Garden’s former Simpson Kiosk, The Botanic Lodge will celebrate South Australian produce and sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients.
The seasonal menu is developed by Executive Chef Tom Tilbury (Gather Food and Wine, Coriole, and Press Food and Wine), with a nod to nostalgic Australian classics. Tilbury will also be curating a soft rock playlist to match the atmosphere.
“At The Lodge, we offer an experience that’s both accessible and extraordinary,” says Tilbury.
“It’s about showcasing the incredible produce we have here in South Australia, but in a setting that can be both indulgent and casual. The Lodge is place where you can mark a special occasion and equally drop past for a glass of wine, a bit Chisel, and a plate of crumbed tommy ruff sandos,” says Tilbury
The menu includes tommies (Australian herring) in white bread with butter, iceberg lettuce and mayo; raw snapper, potato and beach mustard; 300g grass fed beef, paperbark scorched cream, and dorrigo pepper; and wood grilled cabbage, parsley sauce, and anchovy.
Desserts feature lamington with quandong jam and coconut ice cream, and a soft serve Golden Gaytime.
“I’m thrilled to bring this concept life in such a stunning location,” says Tilbury. “The Adelaide Botanic Gardens have always held special place my heart, and creating an everyday dining experience that complements and draws inspiration from this environment is truly exciting.”
Co-founders of Blanco Horner Hospitality, Steve Blanco and Christopher Horner, also own and operate the neighbouring Restaurant Botanic. Blanco describes The Botanic Lodge as “Restaurant Botanic’s friendly, easy-going neighbour”.
“The Lodge represents the next exciting chapter and our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences. As an extension of our existing venues, it embodies our customer-focussed philosophy while offering amore relaxed, everyday dining option,” says Blanco.
The Lodge is open seven days from 10am to 4pm, with lunch from 11.45am.
