PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAThis historic watering hole is a cosy place to drink and dine all year round. In winter open fireplaces bring a rosy glow while fog hangs in the hills air outside. Clear summer days, however, bring sweeping views all the way down to the coast. David (Herbie) and Jane Horsnell have held the reigns here for 15 years. Their son Jack has a ready smile for you behind the bar with an icy beer. His parents also have two other babies – the wine list and their rose garden. Herbie is supremely proud of the local wines so sip some Lobethal Road Sauvignon Blanc while you admire Jane’s glorious blooms.
Chef Peter Krog’s menu is also something to be reckoned with. Garlic or mustard cheese bread are comforting starters, however, The Scenic’s bruschetta is made of toasted pide, topped with roast portabellos, Danish fetta and fired rosemary. Do not let it spoil your appetite for an entree of 12 hour sticky pork which is served with the sweet and salty flavours of caramelised soy sauce. Chicken liver parfait makes for a lighter-than-pate option, served with spiced pear salad. If you fancy the partnership of prawns and pasta, choose the linguine zingarella. If the inclusion of broccoli, pine nuts, spring onion and chilli further appeals have it as a main with its glorious slick of oil and honey. Otherwise, seafood may be enjoyed in the form of market fresh fish such as the barramundi with mango salsa. Szechwan duck and shiitake mushroom pie is another standout dish and is soy glazed and served with steamed bok choy. Desserts spoil with pecan pie, mud cake, blueberry almond flan, lemon curd tart, apricot crumble and sticky date pudding.
Roz Taylor