The Hunter Valley’s Spanish-style winery invites you to dine in at the Kitchen
One of the Hunter Valley's most well known cellar doors, Iron Gate Estate which you'll find on Oakey Creek Road in Pokolbin, is renowned for its iconic Spanish-style winery and cellar door, and now, Iron Gate has given you another reason to visit.
Officially opening in May, the spectacular Iron Gate Kitchen brings a taste of Iberia and the Med to the Hunter Valley.
With a sharp focus on fresh, seasonal produce, and bold Iberian flavours, Executive Chef Joey Ingram’s relaxed, rustic approach to Mediterranean cuisine is made for sun-drenched dining, and is heavily influenced by the elements of wood, smoke, fire, and grill.
Ingram boasts an impressive career across some of Australia’s most renowned kitchens, including Tetsuya’s, Pier, Claudes and Restaurant Balzac, and more recently Circa 1876 and the Hunter Valley’s hatted Margan Restaurant. His expertise was further refined in Europe, where he trained at Michelin-starred establishments such as Le Dome in Paris and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Hong Kong. When asked what drew him to this project he explains,
“I'm really excited to embrace the purity and vibrancy of Mediterranean dining, showcasing the region and Australia's best produce. My vision is to create memorable experiences for our guests in a sustainable and accessible way.”
The menu highlights Iberian-inspired favourites, from chorizo-loaded Catalonian wood-fired flatbreads to crispy salt cod croquetas, alongside wood-smoked local baby octopus and the finest Jamón Ibérico. Locally produced charcuterie and artisan cheeses are served tableside from a handcrafted cheese trolley.
“I’m all about food that’s vibrant, generous, and full of character. At Iron Gate Kitchen, we’re celebrating amazing local produce with bold, flavour-filled dishes made to share."
“Whether it’s smoky grilled seafood, house-made flatbreads, or a slice of burnt Basque cheesecake, it’s all about flavour, texture, and bringing people in the Hunter Valley together,” Joey said.
Whilst the menu flavours will linger long after your visit, so too will your memories of the interiors and the restaurants stunning outlook.
The architecturally designed extension to the existing cellar door was led by Emilie Delalande of Etic, known for her work on projects such as Solotel's Barangaroo House, and more recently, Housemade Hospitality's Island Radio and Baptist Street Rec Club at the new Wunderlich Lane in Redfern. Delalande worked closely with the Iron Gate Estate team to bring this Spanish-inspired vision to life.
One of the most striking aspects of he restaurant is as you enter. Your eyes are instantly drawn to the exposed brick ceiling, laid with precison one brick at a time, the process taking 3 months to complete.
The restaurant will offer daytime al fresco dining, serving breakfast and lunch until 4:00pm from Tuesday to Sunday. On Friday evenings, the Estate will truly embrace the ‘fiesta’ spirit with a specially curated set menu paired with Estate wines and live entertainment.
