Overlooking the Hunter River
Calling Raymond Terrace home, this new café space is not only bringing something exciting to the area, but is worth us Novocastrians heading out for a visit.
When you think of Raymond Terrace, what do you picture? For me, it was just the town I would drive through on my road trip up north. But now, you might just have a good reason to drop into the riverside town, with the Riverhouse Café opening its doors on the 25th of January 2019.
As the name suggests, the space sits on the banks of the Hunter River, overlooking the water and the neighbouring farmland. The family-owned business is run by the family trio; brothers Adam & Drew, and sister Kate who own and run the café.
“We come from a family of hospitality, our parents own and operate the Junction Inn Hotel next door where Adam is also the licensee of. Our Grandfather was also a publican,” Kate told me.
The building itself has been in the family for over 18 years, and before its huge facelift, was used as a rental property. The café has kept its original brick shell as well as some of its original details; including the cornices, lights, and ceiling roses.
Kicking off the renovations in April 2019, the build was completed by the team at Dunn Build in a nine-month timeframe.
“The house was completely gutted with the existing features preserved for reuse. We wanted to keep the heritage feel of the building. The deck that overlooks the beautiful Hunter River is brand new.”
Let’s talk about that deck. We think it has to be the pièce de résistance of the new space. Complete with skylights and one hell of a view, this has got to be the best seat in the house.
The Riverhouse Café logo also pays homage to the original home. If you look at the façade, you might notice a similar design.
“We discovered this on the front pillars during the build. It was taken from the original brickwork and ties in with the heritage aspects of the building.”
With experienced chefs at work in the kitchen, James and Simon have created one hell of a breakfast and lunch menu that caters to all.
Our picks? For breakfast, it would have to be the Chorizo and Sweetcorn Frittata, with spinach, feta, lemon and pesto oil or the Eggs Benedict. Pair with a cup of joe from one of our favs, Glitch Coffee Roasters, and this might just be one of the best breakfasts you’ve ever had.
For lunch we’d pick the Pea and Parmesan Risotto, with bacon, peas, spinach and pine nuts, or the Riverhouse Cheeseburger; because you can’t go wrong with a cheeseburger!
Whilst it’s still early days for the team, they’ve got big plans to start offering private events, functions, and even high teas! So, watch this space…
“We wanted to bring to Raymond Terrace what it was missing. A relaxed, funky café with great service, coffee, and food.”
If you’re looking for a new quirky space to try, head along to Riverhouse Café, pull up a chair, catch up with friends and devour their delicious food and scrumptious coffee!