Food Drink

Tom Tilbury opens The Botanic Lodge restaurant in Adelaide’s Botanic Garden this week

Adelaide’s latest dining delight, The Botanic Lodge, with Chef Tom Tilbury, blends local flavours with the natural beauty of the Botanic Gardens, offering a relaxed yet refined culinary experience.

Adelaide’s culinary landscape has a fresh highlight with the launch of The Botanic Lodge, a new dining venture within the Adelaide Botanic Garden. This establishment, initiated by the collaborative efforts of Blanco Horner Hospitality and renowned chef Tom Tilbury, opens its doors to the public this Friday. Located behind the established Restaurant Botanic, The Botanic Lodge presents a laid-back yet refined dining option that emphasises connection with the natural environment.

The Lodge occupies the historical Simpson’s Kiosk site, which has been thoughtfully redesigned by Williams Burton Leopardi. The revamp maintains Australian vintage charm while introducing modern comforts, creating a welcoming atmosphere that complements the botanical setting. Tom Tilbury, the driving force behind the culinary concept shared, “I’m thrilled to bring this concept to life in such a stunning location. The Adelaide Botanic Gardens have always held a special place in my heart, and creating an everyday dining experience that complements and draws inspiration from this environment is truly exciting.”

 

Chef Tilbury is already well-known in South Australian culinary circles for his innovative approach and commitment to sustainable practices, making a lasting impression at notable establishments such as Gather Food and Wine, Coriole, and Press Food and Wine. At The Lodge, he continues his exploration and celebration of South Australian produce, offering a menu that resonates with seasonal changes and supports local, ethical production.

Menu highlights include locally-inspired dishes such as Tommies in bread and butter accompanied by iceberg lettuce and mayonnaise, Nannygai with asparagus, lemon leaf, and white sauce, and a dessert of Lamington with quandong jam and coconut ice cream. These offerings showcase the best of regional ingredients and provide diners with a unique gastronomic link to their surroundings.

 

The Lodge is not just about the food; it also offers an engaging atmosphere. As summer approaches, diners can look forward to weekend BBQs vibes, accompanied by a nostalgic soft rock soundtrack curated by Tilbury himself, featuring artists ranging from Tame Impala to the Eagles. “At The Lodge, we offer an experience that’s both accessible and extraordinary,” Tilbury explains. “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 a place where you can mark a special occasion and equally drop past for a glass
of wine, a bit of Chisel and a plate of crumbed tommy ruff sando’s.”

True to Tilbury’s promise, he is also offering a nostalgic “Golden Gaytime” soft serve for dessert. Other sweet treats include a baked chocolate with dairy man cream and lemon gum oil, and a lamington with quandong jam and coconut ice cream.

Steve Blanco and Christopher Horner of Blanco Horner Hospitality Management expressed their satisfaction with the new addition, which sits adjacent to their acclaimed Restaurant Botanic. “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-focused philosophy while offering a more relaxed, everyday dining option. It’s Restaurant Botanic’s friendly, easy-going neighbour,” Steve Blanco stated.

For those keen to explore this new culinary destination, The Lodge is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, with a full lunch menu available from 11:45am.

The Lodge opens to the public on Friday the 27th of September.

Opening times:
Open 7 days from 10am to 4pm
Full lunch available from 11:45am

Website: https://www.botaniclodge.com.au
Socials: @thelodge_adl

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