…And Why It’s The Spot To Be
She’s the grand old dame of Southern Highlands pubs…. a beautiful old building with a strong connection to the Highlands of the past.
We’ve been regular visitors to Briars since it reopened after a fresh, new facelift in 2021.
We love that the owners pay homage to all that is so special about the history of the building while still providing a contemporary and stylish space to gather with friends and family, sneak a cosy date night in or grab a tasty woodfired pizza on the weekend!
We also love that they take pride in their staff and encourage a friendly and welcoming work environment.
Here’s the nine things we love about Briars Inn.
1 :: THE FOOOOOOD
Let’s talk about one of our favourite things…..food!
Yep, the famous potato bake is still there with a fab range of other favourites, traditional pub grub, new, contemporary dishes and a shared meats menu – think slow braised lamb shoulder, Tomahawk steak and more options – that serves 2-4 people. Yum.
There’s a kids menu and some definite crowd favourites on the dessert menu.
Like, how do you pick between the pineapple panna cotta, the sticky date pudding and crème brulee?
You don’t. Just do what we do and order all three….
Oh, and don’t get us started on the shared dessert.
Image credit : Fliss Dodd
2 :: THE BEVVIES
Another favourite topic in The Fold office is the current drink of choice and Briars offers up plenty of that!
You’ll find tasty brews on tap, local spirits on the shelf and a selection of Highlands wines on the all-important wine list including two of our favourites – Artemis Pinot Noir and Cherry Tree Hill Chardonnay.
The bar team also look like they’re having a great time rocking out a cocktail or two or three – amaretto sours are our current elixir of choice!
Image credit : Fliss Dodd
3 :: THROSBY LOUNGE BAR
It’s stylish, cosy and we love the dark, moody interiors here and how it all sits so beautifully in the original part of the building.
Open fireplaces, super comfortable seating and a short walk [like two metres] to the bar….the Throsby Lounge Bar is the perfect place for a date night, quiet drink and cheese plate, or to settle in for lunch and a bottle of wine.
We also love the cosy rooms across the hall – the Bong Bong Room with its church pews and here’s a Briars hack for you, head to Betsy’s Room with its long high table – such a great spot for a group of friends to hideaway and have fun.
Such a gorgeous vibe in all these nooks!
Image credit : Fliss Dodd
4 :: PLAY TIME
Having the playground at Briars was always a winner for parents and carers wanting to head out for something to eat and drink AND keep the kids entertained.
The playground is next level – literally! Kids can climb up cute stairs into an awesome cubby house raised from the ground, and slide on down again.
It’s fenced and safe, there’s sun shades to keep the kids cool and it’s a fun way for the kidlets to meet other mini-Highlanders!
The winner for us? It’s next to The Deck so grab a table overlooking the playground and keep an eye on the kids while relaxing in the sunshine with some yummy food and drinks.
5 :: THE BISTRO
The bistro is expansive with soaring ceilings and the wood-fire is perfect for chilly Highlands nights.
The ordering system is seamless and efficient and there’s plenty of space to go up and order – you’re not squeezed in bugging other diners around you.
There’s always some fresh art on the walls – ALWAYS a conversation starter of some sort.
You can easily book a table at the Bistro for up to 10 people online.
Image credit : Fliss Dodd
6 :: THE TIN SHED
A fun addition to the Briars menu of spaces to relax in is The Tin Shed.
Think outdoor vibes with a fire pit, and a rustic shed where you can order delicious wood fired pizzas every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pair it with a pint of something refreshing before kicking back in the Garden Lounge.
Open from midday, it’s such a super chilled way to spend an afternoon. Here’s to warmer weather and outdoor hangs with the crew.
7 :: THE DECK
Choose from tables on the undercover terrace [you can book these too] surrounded by ivy and dappled sunlight [with heating for the colder months] or the timber decking area with festoon lighting.
Love a bit of fresh air with a side of festoon lighting – see you there for Aperols!
Image credit: Fliss Dodd
8 :: PRIVATE DINING
There are three special spaces upstairs in the original building styled so beautifully and ready for your private event.
The Birdcage, the Botanical Room and the Board Room are available for bookings of 12 – 24 people and offer up a stylish and unique way to celebrate a special occasion or organise a work do with some delicious set menu’s to choose from.
Betsy’s Room downstairs [which is the Briars hack we told you about earlier] is also available for private events.
Image credit : Fliss Dodd
9 :: FRONT LAWN
Now, we may have spent quite a few fun afternoons out on the Front Lawn with family and friends.
We love it out here.
The timber tables, the grass underfoot, the cute brollies, the 270-degree views from Bong Bong Common right around Burradoo [and the view back at the gorgeous façade of Briars is pretty special too].
And the Giant Chess Board…. So. Much. Fun. It’s a quintessential Highlands experience on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.
See what we mean? So many spaces for so many occasions, whether it’s something special to celebrate, or something casual and chilled, there’s so many options – indoors AND outdoors – at Briars.
Add in bloody good food, super stylin’ décor and some delish bevvies and you’ve got yourself one fab spot to catch up with friends and family.
Built in 1845, Briars Inn is a family friendly good old-fashioned pub with a modern twist. Head here for more information about the Bistro, private dining, events, opening times and what’s on at this awesome Highlands spot.
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