Take a seat at one of the Hunter Valley's most spectacular dining experiences
Situated at 1693 Broke Road Pokolbin, what instantly strikes you on entering Leogate Estate’s long winding driveway is the grandness of the property.
Ideally positioned at the foot of the Brokeback Mountain Range on more than 50 hectares of land, the property is home to Leogate Estate’s cellar door, winery, the soon to launch luxury Villa accommodation, and the reason for our visit, The Gates Restaurant.
Leogate Estate owners Bill and Vicki Widin first purchased the property back in 2008 and set about reinvigorating the entire estate. Taking full advantage of its extraordinary location, what you find today is Bill and Vicki’s vision of a complete Hunter Valley wine, dine and stay experience.
On arrival we take the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting in the cellar door, so as to get better acquainted with Leogate Estates range of award-winning wines before moving onto lunch.
Wandering across the beautifully manicured lawn to The Gates Restaurant, it’s here that you begin to appreciate the foresight that Bill and Vicki had for property. The building has been designed to take full advantage of the Brokenback Mountain Range panorama, and taking a seat by the window allows you to soak up those spectacular views throughout your dining experience.
Once you've settled in and have taken some time to browse the menu it's only then that you become aware of what really sets The Gates Restaurant experience apart from anywhere in the Hunter Valley.
The a la carte and 5 course degustation menus most definitely has our attention with both being a fine display of locally sourced ingredients and quality produce. Those fond of seafood will be torn between the Sydney Rock Oysters, Blackened Spice Crusted Kingfish and Sautéed Southern Calamari and King Prawns, as will those whose preference lies with the rich, hearty flavours of Duck Two Ways, Pan Seared Venison Tenderloin and Parmesan and Parsley Crumbed Lamb Brains.
A little further down on the menu our eyes are drawn to the Rib Experience for two option. Bill and Vicki’s previous life as Angus producers in the Tamworth district is clearly on display, with The Gate’s Restaurant dry-aged steaks developing a reputation for being some of the best in the Hunter Valley.
Housing their very own dry ageing room within the restaurant you can see for yourself the whole primal cuts of beef which are hung between 4-6 weeks prior to serving so as to achieve the maximum concentration of flavour and tenderness. Be warned thought, you'll be needing a big appetite, the serving is big and the quality of the meat is so good you won't be wanting to leave any behind.
For those who love to indulge in the sweeter things in life The Gates Restaurant will leave a lasting impression. Whether it's the Chocolate Fondant, Caramel Bombe Alaska, Mille Feuille or the White Chocolate and Coconut Mousse with pineapple jelly, liquorice gel & allspice tuille, your mind will literally be blown not only by the unexpected yet flawless flavour combinations but the exquisite display that is presented to your table.
Regardless of your menu selections one thing can be guaranteed, your dining experience at The Gates Restaurant is sure to be a memorable one.