Before you even set foot into the cottage that is Circa 1876, you get that feeling that you might just be in for something a little bit special. From the beautifully manicured lawns surrounding the gorgeous original trust slab.

As the name suggests, the venue dates back to 1876, setting the scene for what is about to be a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. A short stroll down from the luxury accommodation and restaurant, The Convent Hunter Valley, wander down the tree-lined drive to one of the region’s most iconic restaurants; Circa 1876.

The building’s façade and interiors have been meticulously restored, creating the perfectly paused in time backdrop to the Roscrea Estate gardens.

Before setting on inside to take your table, take the chance to stroll around the estate’s vineyard, organic market garden, and the beautifully restored Welsh Baptist Chapel. Enter through the front doors and be transported to a whimsical playground for grownups.

Recently awarded One Chefs Hat for 2022 by the Australian Good Food Guide, Circa 1876 is the perfect example of the farm to fork ethos with its eclectic charm showcasing a delicate Modern Australian menu featuring fresh local seasonal produce, most of which is supplied from their onsite organic kitchen garden.

“Our Circa 1876 team are a magnificent mix of highly skilled chefs, each with their own unique passion… the finest of farm to fork dining tenderly brought to you by the cream of the cuisine crop.”

Delight in some of the Hunter Valley’s finest wines and specially selected Australian and imported wines whilst you dine with their 3-course a la carte menu inspired to tempt your senses.

We sampled their Autumn 2022 menu, starting with the show-stopping Smoked Confit Pork Belly with parsnip cream, pickled red cabbage, citrus glaze, and apple; and the Pan Seared Scallops with charred onion, king brown mushroom, cauliflower, edamame puree, and Yuzu Beurre Blanc.

Moving into mains, we tantalised our tastebuds with the Angus Tenderloin, complete with carrot & confit garlic puree, charred pencil leek, asparagus, heirloom carrot, and port jus; the Wild Caught Snapper with quinoa ‘risotto’, Witlof, blush turnip, kale, crispy leeks, roasted pepper coulis, and garden herbs oil; and the Roasted Butternut Pumpkin with toasted cashew, pistachio praline, with Binnorie goat’s fetta as a side dish.

To finish the evening, we enjoyed the Passionfruit & Mango dessert; mango parfait, passionfruit curd, passionfruit mango fluid gel, passionfruit marshmallow, cashew nut sable, and coconut whipped Namelaka; and Chef’s Selection of Premium International and Australian Cheese including guava paste, water crackers, muscatels, house-made lavosh, circa lavender honey, and dehydrated vanilla poached pears.

The wine menu has a strong Hunter Valley presence including a selection of drops including favourites such as Usher Tinkler Wines, Tulloch Wines, Gundog Estate, Margan Wines, Piggs Peake Winery, Tyrell’s, Keith Tulloch Wines, Pepper Tree Wines, and Hungerford Hill Wines.

Book your table at Circa 1876 and dine under the whimsical charm of classical chandeliers and dark, moody, and cosy interiors. This dining institution in the heart of the Hunter Valley is the ideal destination for that romantic night out with a special someone and an absolute must-do foodie experience.