The Deck Cafe Lovedale is
located in the Hunter Valley, and it is a popular Modern Australian restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is particularly scenic with all the tables positioned around a pond with a water feature in the centre, which creates a relaxed atmosphere to the country venue. The property also has a Cellar Door for
Gartelmann Wines, so you can combine wine tasting and lunch, in the same venue.
My family and I have dined at The Deck Cafe Lovedale twice, and loved it both times. The first time, we were driving home from the
Hunter Valley Zoo and we saw the attractive cafe from the road and made a quick decision to pull over, and check it out. We were lucky to get a table under the umbrellas, around the edge of the pond, so we could look back and take in the view. You couldn't have asked for a more serene, peaceful setting...
Tables under the umbrellas, looking back to the entrance...
Pond with water feature, right in the centre
When we visited The Deck Cafe Lovedale the second time, on a recent
2 night stay in the Hunter Valley, we
booked a table online and we were given a table in the shade on the deck. When you book online, you can choose an inside table (in a quaint room with large windows) or an outside table around the pond. The deck area was nice and cool on a hot day, however in winter you may prefer to get a table under the umbrellas, so some of the seats are in the sun. Call them on (02) 4930 9007 to make a booking, if you have a specific requirement.
Enjoy the shade on the deck...
...or book an inside table, or outside table under the umbrellas. Image: Original photos from The Deck Cafe Lovedale website
The Deck Cafe Lovedale has a wide range of breakfast options on their
menu, which is available between 8:30am - 11:30am, 7 days a week. Prices start from $8 for Banana Bread and $12 for scones, and goes up to $30 for more substantial breakfast dishes. If you are visiting the Hunter Valley on holidays, it can be hard to find a breakfast venue near where you are staying - but The Deck Cafe Lovedale is worth the drive.
Our family picked the scones on both of our visits - they were huge, warm, soft and delicious! The first time we tried them, we fell in love with their warmth and softness and the tasty range of condiments to spread on top. Be warned though - they are
very large, with two large scones per serve (4 half scones). If you are a small eater, or are dining with kids, you may want to share them!
Scones with Chantilly cream, house made jam, fresh strawberries and butter ($12)
Delicious breakfast menu items between 8:30am - 11:30am. Image: Original photos from The Deck Cafe Lovedale website
If you visit for lunch or dinner, their
menu is tapas-style, so each dish is designed to share. Their menu has two prices - the first one is for 2 people, the second one is for 4 people, and then you choose 4-6 dishes to share, depending on your appetite. Tapas plates include dishes such as
"Pumpkin and feta filled tempura zucchini flower, Mediterranean chickpea salad" and
"Duck liver parfait, toasted sour dough, cornichons, champagne jelly". They also have a good range of
vegetarian and gluten free options to choose from and a
Children's Menu, for ages 12 and under. The Deck Cafe Lovedale is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights only, at the time of writing.
This popular venue also has
locals nights,
cooking classes,
events and even
food tours to Tasmania and Italy! When you have finished your meal, also ensure you stop in at
Gartelmann Wines, at the front of the cafe, to try some wines and support another local business.
Wine tastings are free of charge for up to 5 people.
Gartelmann Wines Cellar Door...
...just look for the magpie!
Lastly, if you are visiting this venue with kids, or you like animals, then take a walk past the tables with umbrellas to look at the chicken coop, then walk down towards the car park and meet the two large pigs in mud (named Peppa and George!), as well as the ponies along the back of the car park. They were a cute extra touch to our visit, which we all enjoyed.
The Deck Cafe Lovedale is a "one-stop-shop" for everything that we love about the Hunter Valley - good food, good wine, family experiences and welcoming country hospitality. Why don't you book a table this weekend?
The Deck Cafe Lovedale - there is something for everyone!
