Warm up your wintery weekends with a long, lazy lunch at
St. Bernards Hotel. This charming venue is the perfect place to spend an afternoon relaxing over a delicious meal while witnessing some spectacular views. The trip out to Tamborine Mountain is a fair drive from the heart of Brisbane, but it is well worth the effort. With lots of interesting cafes and wineries nestled on the hills, it was by chance that my partner and I settled on this hotel for sustenance. And we couldn't have been happier with our choice.
Welcome to the historic St. Bernards Hotel.
After wandering around the beautiful grounds and admiring the breathtaking view of the mountains we decided to move indoors. Before lunch we warmed ourselves up in front of the fireplace over a superb cup of coffee. This cosy prelude to our languid lunch was lovely. Much to our delight, we were accompanied by one of the two adorable resident St. Bernard dogs, Leo. His sleepy presence was reflective of the overall ambience. You could tell by people's smiles that he is a much loved member of the family. From start to finish the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and homely.
Everyone is treated like family at this hotel.
With lots of chunky, wooden tables to choose from, we were free to seat ourselves before ordering at the counter from a large selection of homestyle meals. My partner chose the St. Bernards famous Guinness pie ($24.90) while I opted for a sweet potato and couscous salad ($15.90) served with hickory smoked chicken ($4.50) and avocado ($3.50). These generously sized meals came surprisingly quickly considering the relaxed vibe of the place. Both dishes were delicious. They had the simplicity of a pub meal while having the richness and complexity of flavour reminiscent of a fine dining experience.
This hearty meal will leave you feeling satisfied all day long.
Beautiful colours, textures and flavours make this salad delicious.
Should you choose to dine at St. Bernards, you can also order a drink from the bar to accompany your meal. An assortment of beers; red and white wines; coffees and soft drinks are all on offer. When you have contented yourself with the ample fine food and drink available, you can work off your lunch by going on one of the various walks leading from the hotel grounds to some beautiful waterfalls. The picturesque surroundings will leave you feeling quietly reinvigorated. I loved the leisurely pace that this hotel seemed to generate. The afternoon left me with some unexpectedly great memories.
Warm yourself up from head to toe.
The spectacular view from the dining room is unforgettable.
It is these kinds of experiences that have enticed people to return time and time again. St. Bernards Hotel's rich history spans centuries; holding both cultural and personal significance. Having been moved to its current site in 1898, it is also the place where my grandparents met and fell in love. It's the ideal location for a romantic rendezvous as well as a festive family meal. Everybody will appreciate everything that this magical retreat has to offer as there is something for everyone. If you decide to visit St. Bernards and happen to fall in love with the place, you can always hire the venue for your next big event.
There are lots of reasons to fall in love with St. Bernards Hotel.
The hotel caters to weddings as well as other corporate and private events and functions. Furthermore, with lots of activities such as Australia Day barbecues, Christmas in July and live entertainment you have countless reasons to return throughout the year. The breathtaking views, delicious food, homely décor, friendly staff and family atmosphere create a charming setting that will leave you feeling wonderfully relaxed. Whether it's a special occasion or an impromptu getaway, next time you feel like a mini retreat take the journey to St. Bernards Hotel.
