LOCATION
Superbly positioned in the Adelaide Hills overlooking the Piccadilly Valley, it is only 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
What’s the source of the potent romantic atmosphere at Piccadilly restaurant? On my visit I was surrounded by couples holding hands and smiling like the newly married. Perhaps it’s in the water – all of it drawn from the Piccadilly valley – even the table water. Perhaps it’s because the question of who gets the window seat is diffused as each table is positioned askew, allowing the stunning view of Adelaide Hills to be enjoyed by all.
Though just 20 minutes out of Adelaide, Piccadilly Restaurant feels miles from anywhere. During the day the view lazily stretches over the jimble jumble of woodlands, vineyards and valleys. As night drops the room becomes cosy and tealight candles are ferried to the tables by amenable staff. Situated in an historic country house, the elegant menu is inspired by local organic produce, and fresh herbs and salad leaves are sourced from the organic kitchen garden. Justin Markos’ dishes are comforting and flecked with Mediterranean flavours. The new season lamb is a delectable example, the lamb rump first seared in a pan then gently cooked in the oven to retain the meat’s moisture. The meat is rested then sliced and served fanned over parmesan polenta with rosemary garlic juice. Now that is romance I can appreciate.
Jennifer Miller, March 2007
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The Piccadilly Restaurant at Mount Lofty House has been redesigned to take advantage of the stunning views of the surrounding Valley. The grounds now have an organic kitchen garden from which fresh herbs and produce are sourced. There is also a small patch of Chardonnay vines that are hand tendered and managed using organic principles. Craig Graves has recently been appointed to the position of Head Chef after spending 3 years within the property as Sous Chef. Craig’s passion for food has come from utilizing local ingredients, plus with his own vegetable and herb garden located next to Piccadilly Restaurant. With only 8 years experience in chef terms, Craig is able to bring Modern cuisine tailored to the Historic feel of Mount Lofty House. You will often see Craig in the garden choosing the right ingredients for his next creation. With rich jarrah floorboards in a light, spacious dining area, Piccadilly Restaurant utilises the stunning views of vineyards, gardens and woodlands to its best advantage. Settle into the leather chesterfields by the fire in winter and share a drink with friends, enjoy Sunday lunch on the patio or relax over a leisurely breakfast in the morning sun.
HISTORY
Mount Lofty House was built between 1852 and 1858 and has a reputation as having one of Australia's finest country house restaurants. This historic country house was transformed earlier in 2003 into a beautiful boutique hotel which offers the best of both worlds.
FUNCTIONS
Weddings, Corporate Dinners, Birthdays, Engagements, Produce Launches and Conferences are all catered for at this award winning property. The dedicated conference facility is available all year round. Click here for function information.
PRIVATE DINING ROOMS
Elegant private dining rooms are available for groups of 10 to 100.
ACCOMMODATION
Twenty nine comfortable well-equipped country house guestrooms allow you to enjoy the ambience of the house and its surroundings. In room facilities include minibar, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, television with remote control and STD/ISD telephone. Heritage guestrooms are situated in the "old house" along the front verandah with Piccadilly Valley views, individually decorated in heritage style and an open fireplace. The Mountain Spa Suite has a king size bed with ensuite bathroom containing a double size corner spa.
Personal Statement
Small is beautiful and that's the benefit you have when staying at Mount Lofty House. Much time, thought and effort have been put into the property over the last 12 months developing the Mount Lofty House experience. We encourage you to visit us soon and to experience it for yourself.