The Potting Shed at The Grounds

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Posted 2015-02-17 by Telani Kumar ⇒ follow

The Grounds of Alexandria continues to lure more and more visitors with its sensational coffee, food, and surrounds. One corner of this pretty little village that I hadn't actually discovered until this week was The Potting Shed.

A bar and restaurant inspired by gardens and agriculture, this place is yet another reason to visit the Alexandria Creative Park, as the complex is entitled. Sip on themed cocktails and nibble on share platters in a fertile garden with exotic company.

It is located along the same alleyway as the florist with the rainbow roses that everyone loves and Instagrams, and behind Kevin Bacon's shared pen. I still think it is too cool how there are animals on the premises.

The Potting Shed is abundant with intricate green details and puns alike. This is always a "good thyme" I say! "Please wait to be planted" replaces the usual greeting, and if you look around the greenhouse you will notice more signs following the theme. Anywhere you look you are bound to find a new ornament, an artistically placed pot-plant, or garden tool made grand.

Not only will you have the shovel framed by green to welcome you, but also a vibrant and incredibly friendly Macaw named Fluffy. He or she (not sure) absolutely loved saying "hello", rolling around on its back and receiving belly tickles. This lively mascot is the exotic company I was talking about.

A friendly waiter escorted us through the jungle. With succulents, hedges, trees, reeds, a variety of flowers and more, I think it's safe to say I haven't dined in the midst of so many different plants before. Perhaps I should say the 'mist' - a regulated mist of water keeps the plants hydrated and healthy, and doubles up to keep everyone cool and refreshed.

With a unique list of garden themed cocktails and juices, notable for their crisp flavours you are spoilt for choice with what to sip on. Whether you go for a Hill Billy Cider from the shovel taps, a freshly squeezed and mixed juice of the day, or a spicy cocktail containing chilli or ginger, you are sure to be treated to a memorable thirst-quencher.

My friend was in the mood for the delicious coffee that is home to The Grounds. While they did not serve coffee at The Potting Shed, it was appreciated that they allow customers to wander over to the main cafe and bring a take-away cuppa to enjoy alongside their meal. I went for the juice of the day which was a delightful passionfruit-fusion served in a tall jar.

The menu includes some gourmet, tapas-style share platters. This is ideal if you want a variety of dishes to taste. We shared the buttermilk-flavoured popcorn chicken that came with a tangy yet sweet honey mustard. The flavour of this combined with that of the chicken was divine!

We also got a pot of chips that came with aioli and tomato jam (about $28 in total, including my juice). And yes, everything from water to food servings comes in a pot to add to the restaurant's signature theme.

This outdoorsy dining spot is perfect for snacking on food that is canapé in style but surprisingly satisfying. It is perfect for sipping on a unique cocktail full of fruity flavour . It is perfect for dining in fresh scenery. I sure dig this place and will be back for round two soon - pun totally intended!