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DATE NIGHT // The Fold’s Guide To Romance In The Southern Highlands

A list of date night inspiration if you are looking for some romance in The Southern Highlands, NSW.
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Whatever your current status may be, The Fold have developed this little guide to help get the party started – the rest is up to you (wink, wink).

A SUPER-SPESH DINNER

You absolutely cannot go wrong with the time-honoured tradition of a romantic dinner for two, particularly if you choose from any one of these exceptional eateries.

Date Night 1

Romance is on the menu at Osborn House 

Paste Australia – Next level Thai cuisine for a next level date night in Mittagong.

Eschalot – Housed in a beautiful historic building, the menu is creative and delicious and perfect for a gourmet lover’s date night.

Berrima Vault House – If you come on a Friday evening you can score both Happy Hour AND Steak Night. But a visit on any night they’re open is a win in our books really.

Onesta Cucina – A local fave and deservedly so. Simply delicious and fab service.

Franquette Creperie – Capture the romance of France in this delightful creperie in Bowral. Ooh la la!

Bistro Sociale – European inspired menu with fab options for before (Gin Trading Co) and after (Aspinall’s Whisky Bar) dinner drinks.

Bendooley Estate – Book a table at Leo’s By Night, the winery’s evening restaurant, for some amazing flavours. During the day, enjoy a charming date at The Book Barn and indulge in wine tasting at the cellar door.

JB’s Kitchen – Spice things up (literally) at this delish Indian restaurant in Bowral. This is also a great option for vegetarians as they’ve got loads of lovely veggie dishes on the menu.

Monaco Bowral – Loads of exciting international flavours and a top-notch vegetarian and vegan menu to boot.

Osborn House – Secure a spot at one of the incredible Sunday Fire Feasts during the colder months to keep the flame alive. And all year round, Dinahs restaurant keeps the good vibes flowing.

Ethos at Links House – An intimate venue with lovely views across the garden and golf course. The menu is seasonal and flavourful.

DRINKS AND A MOVIE

If you’re after something a little more casual but just as special, a night at the movies preceded or followed closely by a delicious cocktail or two, is always a winner in our books.

date night 2

Every night is date night at Flour Bar 

Empire Cinema – Keep an eye out for film festivals and special screenings. 

Harvey’s Bar – Chilled out vibe and genuine bar-lounge atmosphere.

The Gin Trading Co – Located within the Berida Hotel, relax by the open fire with a Coconut Margarita (or two). Heaven.

Aspinall’s Whisky Lounge – Another hidden gem tucked away in the Berida Hotel, grab a wee dram here before or after the movie.

Cheese etc – A glass of wine and a deliciously curated cheese plater from a local cheese aficionado is the perfect way to start or finish a date.

Millsheds – A fabulous distillery and bar inside The Mill in Bowral. We absolutely adore everything they pour up here.

The Royal Hotel – Always a great place to go for a drink and it’s an easy 2 minute stroll from the cinema.

Flour Bar – An amazing spot for a glass of vino, a cocktail and of course some pre/post movie nibbles. Everything on the menu has us drooling.

The Parting Glass – A gorge spot in Bowral to enjoy your drinks and bites, with a cocktail and wine list that’s sure to make you swoon.

LIVE MUSIC

We absolutely lurve live music and are so happy to see it make a welcome return to so many awesome venues that offer up live tunes each week.

Date night music

Bop along to the tunes with your someone special at Eden Brewery

Bowral Bowling Club 

The Royal Hotel

Mittagong RSL

Bundanoon Hotel

Sutton Forest Inn

Surveyor General Inn 

Robertson Public House 

Bundanoon Club

Eden Brewery 

Robertson Bowling Club 

Keep up to date with all the live music happening across the Highlands here.

FRESH APPROACH

If you’re looking for something to do together that’s a little ’out-of-the-box’, how about some of these fun ideas?

date night 4

Cook with love at Cucina Calabria

Achey Bakey Heart 

So, maybe not your typical “date night” but definitely great fun and something a bit unique – and a fantastic way to impress the object of your affection with your culinary skills!  Local businesses such as Moonacres School, The Community Cooking School, the Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello and Cucina Calabria regularly run seasonal cooking classes. The way to anyone’s heart is via their stomach, right??

Love Is In The Axe

Okay, how’s this for totally out of the box? Highlands Hatchets have an awesome ‘Date Night’ package which includes 1 hour of throwing in your private lane finished off with a booking at Eden Brewery to enjoy 2 drinks, 2 burgers, and fries from the legends at Boozy Burgers. Nothing says romance like throwing axes together and we’re definitely in love!

Get Creative And Inspired Together 

Need to get your creative juices flowing? There are always plenty of awesome and diverse workshops in our Event Directory to choose from.

Twilight Picnic

There is something truly romantic about a sunset picnic. We’re thinkin’ The Gib, Berrima River, Lake Alexandra, one of the beautiful lookouts in Morton National Park or perhaps a local vineyard.

The key is to up the ante on your picnic hamper – we’re talking some local cold beer or a bottle of local vino (here’s a link to plenty of local wineries, breweries, distillers and vineyards), and you can either visit our local providores and deli’s to whip your own hamper – Raw and Wild have loads of fresh and healthy goodies to fill your basket with and Little Briggs Co can defo help you create something special for your romantic picnic. – or get in touch with with super-talented Nadia of Highlands Grazing Co to create something special for your romantic picnic.

Get someone else to do the cooking

Pack the kidlets off to Nanna’s and order some delicious pre-made dishes and delights from local caterers and foodie businesses! Order something amazing from Black Hen Kitchen for a modern take on traditional family recipes.

Bendooley Estate Larder also has a fab catering option. Order what you want online and then head into their store in Bowral to pick it up!

Later, Love Birds!

x

jamie bio
Edited by The Fold team June 2021

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This blog features friends and advertisers of The Fold Southern Highlands and is fully endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold and we’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses. We want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible.

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