When it comes to food and wine, we are spoilt for choice in the Riverina. Take a look at some of the great places – and people – we featured in 2024.
14. Two years after reopening, the Holbrook Hotel reflects on its recipe for success in tough times
by Vanessa Hayden
The Holbrook Hotel is celebrating a two-year milestone after a major renovation. From left are marketing and events manager Meg Hollins, owner Bill Wearn, executive administration Holly Darmody, general manager Nicholas Jobson and head chef Shane Clark. Photo: Holbrook Hotel.
Stepping outside the box, hard work and being creative are what have helped the Holbrook Hotel remain a drawcard for locals and visitors alike since reopening in 2022.
Originally built in 1914, the pub has celebrated its second anniversary after being totally revamped inside and out in a comprehensive three-year renovation.
Owned by sheep and cattle farmer Bill Wearn, of Mulgoa Pastoral, the hotel’s redevelopment was a significant investment and great care was taken to preserve its beautiful Art Deco charm and honour its heritage while modernising it.
13. The hidden staircase beneath the Prince of Wales in Wagga
by Chris Roe
Chef Jamie Shepley explores the hidden cellar beneath the Prince of Wales Hotel. Photo: Chris Roe.
Wagga restaurateur Jamie Shepley had no idea what lay beneath as he began renovations on the former Barter’s Restaurant at the Prince of Wales Hotel on the corner of Kincaid and Fitzmaurice streets.
Jamie, the well-known Riverina chef behind Mr. Lawrence, HIDE Steak & Bar and Food I Am, had just begun renovations on the old restaurant when he heard rumours of a hidden wine cellar.
12. Goat curry to gourmet burgers: Five minutes with young Griffith chef Ellen McLean
by Oliver Jacques
Chef Ellen McLean with fiance and co-worker Christopher Nicholson. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A protege of veteran Griffith chef Roderick Pieper, 27-year-old Ellen McLean has already gained a reputation for her risk-taking culinary style.
You’d be hard pressed to find a dish she doesn’t know how to make – she’s tried her hand at everything from goat curry to gourmet burgers to halloumi salads and caramel slices.
Region caught up with her as part of the regular ‘Five minutes with’ series.
11. How do you like them apples? Capital Brewing Co acquires Batlow Cider
by Lucy Ridge
The Capital Brewing Co team during a site visit to Batlow Cider. Photo: Capital Brewing Co.
This year Canberra’s Capital Brewing Co announced the acquisition of another local icon: Batlow Cider. The town of Batlow is well recognised for its apple industry, as Batlow apples have been grown and sold in the town for over 100 years.
Capital Brewing Co founders Tom Hertel and Laurence Kain said Batlow Cider had long been a popular choice of drink at the brewery, and the brand acquisition was a natural fit for several reasons.
10. Yody cafe is a haven for afternoon coffee lovers and evening cocktail enthusiasts
by Shri Gayathirie Rajen
Russell Pearson opened Yody on Baylis Street in November 2023. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Meet Russell Pearson – a chef turned cafe owner bringing cocktails and culinary delights to Wagga at yody.
Yody, located at 47 Baylis Street is a vibrant, dynamic venue championing local produce and making a rotating range of gourmet jaffles, house-pressed juices, shakes and coffee. According to Russell, Yody is one of the few places in town that offers coffee to those who finish work later in the afternoon and need a caffeine fix.
9. Are these the best snags in the region? Albury’s Borella Butchery reckons they might be!
by Vanessa Hayden
The Borella butchers – Reese Jones, Ben Vartiainen, Lachie Gerahty, Jared Gerahty and Callum Quinn. The business has recently added a swag of awards to its collection for its snags and smallgoods. Photo: Vanessa Hayden.
What do jalapeno pepper, lamb massaman curry and duck, triple sec (liqueur) and dark chocolate all have in common?
They are ingredients in Albury’s Borella Butchery’s range of sausages and the team just “wiped the board” in their categories in the regional round of the national Sausage King competition in Sydney.
8. It’s more than happy hour as Burrumbuttock’s Farmers Inn Hotel enjoys a long-overdue comeback
by Vanessa Hayden
Jase Hounsell and April Hill, the new owners of the Farmers Inn, with chef Mark Wilde, have brought new life to the pub in the tiny village of Burrumbuttock. Photo: Vanessa Hayden.
Burrumbuttock’s Farmers Inn Hotel has been revitalised with new owners and a chef breathing fresh life into the watering hole whose history spans 144 years.
Jindera couple Jase Hounsell and April Hill purchased the pub in May this year and relocated to the tiny village, with sleeves pulled up, overalls donned and tools at the ready.
They say they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received.
7. After 12 months at the helm, the Reynolds are taking ownership of the iconic Junee Hotel
by Chris Roe
Emma and Brendon Reynolds are celebrating more than a year serving the community at the Junee Hotel. Photo: Supplied.
After 12 months at the Junee Hotel, Emma and Brendon Reynolds took ownership of the iconic main-street pub.
“Last year, we decided to take a chance on this amazing 1878 building that was unloved, poorly maintained and on a trajectory downhill,” Emma said.
6. Riverina brand announced as official wine supplier for 2024 Australian Paralympic Team
by Oliver Jacques
Andrew Calabria and Scott McWilliam enjoy their product outside the Big Wine Barrell. Photo: McWilliam’s Wines.
Hanwood-based McWilliam’s Wines was announced as an official supplier to the 2024 Australian team at the Paralympics in Paris, France.
5. First ever acai machine in Griffith set up at Station 4 Cafe as niche health food craze grows
by Oliver Jacques
Station 4 Cafe and Bar waitress Jorja Heffer shows off the new acai machine. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A machine that makes a popular health food sorbet from purple Amazonian rainforest berries has made its debut on the Griffith culinary scene.
Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) are small grape-sized berries grown on palm trees native to Central and South America.
4. Wagga’s own Habibi Chicken to share the ‘love’ with a second store in Melbourne
by Chris Roe
Manager Mo with a Habibi Chicken feed at the Wagga store. Photo: Supplied.
Wagga’s homegrown charcoal chicken brand is looking to spread its wings and is preparing to open a second store in Melbourne.
Habibi Chicken (Habibi means ‘my love’ in Arabic) opened its doors on Fitzmaurice Street just two years ago and has quickly become a popular option for locals looking for something fast and fresh in the CBD.
3. Five minutes with Stephanie Plane, Mrs Jones Pantry
by Shri Gayathirie Rajen
Stephanie Plane with her grandmother, Cassie Jones. Photo: Supplied.
We chatted with Stephanie Plane for a little more than five minutes, learning about her passion for cooking for people and what to try from her lunch and dessert menus.
2. ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’: Temora’s Dimi Jayawardene on her inspiring journey on The Great Australian Bake Off
by Shri Gayathirie Rajen
Dimi Jayawardene reflects on her The Great Australian Bake Off journey. Photo: The Great Australian Bake Off.
Even though Dimi Jayawardene didn’t clinch the title on The Great Australian Bake Off, she still felt like a winner.
Temora’s self-proclaimed “Procrastibaker” was one of the top three finalists in this year’s The Great Australian Bake Off. The finale, aired on 20 November, crowned Arvin Garcia as the winner.
1. Cider house rules: Construction underway on the Snowy Valleys next tourist attraction
by Chris Roe
It’s been years in the making but Dave Purcell is hoping to open the new Apple Thief Cider House in 2025. Photo: The Apple Thief.
It’s full steam ahead for The Apple Thief Cider House as Batlow sets its sights on a growing visitor economy.
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