LOCATIONHall is 25 minutes north of Canberra CBD.
Profiled by deGroots MediaHidden amongst the renowned vineyards of Hall, Poachers’ Pantry could easily be mistaken for just another winery and cellar door. But once you step inside the cool confines of the historic “Marakei” homestead you realise that you’re in for a memorable experience. Apart from the stunning home-grown Wily Trout wines that are available for tasting, or for serious drinking over lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, Poachers’ Pantry is famed for its extensive selection of smoked and cured meats, ranging from kangaroo through to Cajun chicken. These can be purchased separately (to take a little bit of Poachers’ Pantry home with you!) but when the sun is shining the grassy knoll next to the cellar door is just too tempting.
Poachers’ Pantry truly is an alfresco experience – sit down in the cool homestead for lunch, or relax outside in the courtyard for wine and a tasting platter accompanied by fresh bread and dips. The food is predominantly meaty, but the potato and poppy seed croquettes are quite piquant – especially when washed down with the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. The smoked duck terrine is a gamey match for the 2002 Shiraz. The mains are billed as modern Australian yet vary from the complexity of za’atar spiced kangaroo burgers with beetroot chips, to the more familiar (but no less delightful) bangers and mash – beef, red wine and thyme bangers, mind you. Unfortunately the service can be sketchy at best; when they’re busy it’s hard not to feel invisible. It’s a shame that such good food can take hours to arrive (are they out catching the kangaroo for the burgers?) – it may be a better idea to order a platter and sit in the sun with a few bottle of wine, some friends and a designated driver.
Russell Buzby, March 2008
DETAILSThe Smokehouse Café is a unique rural venue designed to cater for smaller and more special corporate functions. Whether you choose to confer over lunch or spread the word in the “Engine Room” we have a spot to meet the moment.
Poachers staff will give you personalised and attentive service and with the relaxed rural setting (with only sheep & cockatoos to disturb the peace!) your delegates’ creativity is sure to be inspired.
WEDDINGSPoachers Pantry offers you the perfect venue for a country wedding. The lawns around the café and the terrace overlooking the old slab woolshed are beautiful in the early evening light. This provides an ideal spot for a twilight wedding ceremony followed by drinks and canapés on the terrace.
THE SMOKEHOUSE CAFE'S flexible space and design enables smart casual to formal themeing. The Café can seat up to 100 guests, larger weddings can be accommodated in a marquee. As Poachers Pantry and the Smokehouse Café are built around gourmet food and the love of good eating we can promise a meal that all will remember.
The Smokehouse Café is an ideal location for celebrations and functions no matter what the occasion. In winter guests are warmed by a roaring pot belly stove and in summer the tables and chairs spill out onto the paved terrace. Its versatile sunlit space provides a wide range of options for both small and large conferences and events.
The stunning unique rural setting provides guests with limitless space and is perfect for marquees and larger events. This exclusive setting, combined with gourmet food, fine wine and friendly flexible service sets it apart as an outstanding venue.
Winner of Tourism and Restaurant and Caterers Awards in 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006; Poachers Pantry is the ideal venue for your next event.