Welcome to Tweed River House, the Northern Rivers most exciting new dining destination has arrived.
Stepping inside Tweed River House feels like you’re entering a treasured friend’s home, albeit one with impeccable style.
The house sits grandly on the banks of the Tweed River with magnificent views over tropical cane fields to the region’s landmark, the majestic Wollumbin Mt Warning. Lovingly restored to its former glory, the 9 month renovation reveals some stunning features such as pressed metal ceilings and a spectacular fireplace. The brainchild of owners Gregory Lording and Phillip Hepburn, Gregory had a clear vision for Colonial style luxury akin to Raffles, influenced by his extensive travels during a stellar career as a travel industry executive.
“Old world hospitality is our keynote” says Gregory. “We want guests to feel immersed in the relaxed style of bygone eras - think Singapore’s Raffles and Penang’s E&O dining rooms and cocktails on the terraces of grand old homes in Australia’s tropical north."
A striking element of the interiors is found on arrival in the chandelier room. "It's one of my favourite features" says Gregory. "The wallpaper, was sourced from a bespoke European decorative arts company, who individually printed the lush tropical theme onto custom sized panels. The richness and texture, makes you feel you are in the midst of an amazonian paradise."
Tweed River House cleverly blends different dining zones to create a welcoming and accessible space for all. Guests can enjoy simple bar snacks and cocktails on the lounge, alfresco dining on the River Terrace or an intimate private dining in the chandelier room thus allowing guests to return time and time again for a different experience.
The menu designed by Irish born Executive Chef Joseph McGrattan perfectly combines his classical European training with local fresh produce including native ingredients. We were honoured to indulge in preview tasting ahead of Tweed River House’s official opening on 30 September and can confirm you’re in for a treat!
The opening Prix Fixe spring menu features standout entrées such as beetroot textures with local Deb Allard feta, candied Tweed River pecans, native thyme, strawberry gum & champagne dressing or Drake Creek smoked duck breast with crispy rillette, riberry compote, parfait, fig puree and charcoal lavosh.
Mains are more generously proportioned and include braised pork belly, roast fillet, rack, smoked collar and potato terrine, parsnip, mustard, apple, fennel (pictured above) and a pan fried fish of the day with smoked fish brandade rosti, celeriac, chard, nage, venison chorizo and clam salsa. Vegetarians are well catered for with options on the prix fixe menu as well as the option of a dedicated vegan menu.
Save room for dessert wish showstoppers such as lemon aspen and honey cake, Husk Bam Bam ice cream, rum and spice cream cheese mousse, gingerbread crumble, aspen curd.
Sip from the extensive wine list of local and French wines along with delicious cocktails and you have the recipe for an indulgent day out in The Tweed.
Tweed River House is open Thursday – Sunday at 131 River Street, Murwillumbah, just 25 minutes from Gold Coast Airport or 40 minutes north of Byron Bay. Make it a gourmet getaway and book a stay in The Tweed and taste all that this gastronomic region has to offer.
The writer was a guest of Tweed River House. Images - Tweed River House and IG @_sally_scott_
