New gourmet drawcard for Northern NSW

Northern New South Wales is about to get a new gourmet drawcard. 

Tweed River House, a new bistro and bar in rural Murwillumbah, will open on Friday, September 24. 

Just down the road from the Tweed Regional Gallery, the colonial-style riverside manor has for over a century been a focal point for great occasions in locals' lives. 

And locals are getting behind the new venture with the first weekend already booked out. 

Tweed River House has sweeping views across the cane fields to Wollumbin and the Border Ranges. 

Guests can dine on the river terrace or inside under elegant pressed-tin ceilings and cooling fans.

“Old world hospitality is our keynote” says Gregory Lording, the general manager and co-owner. “We want guests to feel immersed in the relaxed style of bygone eras - think Singapore’s Raffles and Penang’s E&O dining rooms; and cocktails on the terraces of grand old homes in Australia’s tropical north.

“We are very fortunate to have found so much talent within this region with massive industry experience both here and abroad, who are just delighted to be able to showcase their skills locally.”

Executive Chef Joseph McGrattan, Irish born with an Australian family, has classic European training and a love of fresh local produce. 

He has worked at Kooljaman Resort, Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula and will also be sourcing indigenous ingredients. 

Options will range from light bites to full degustation menus, and there will be special vegan menus available. 

Guests can expect dishes like venison and bush tomato terrine, pancetta, celeriac choucroute, apple, rosella and nasturtium capers, or perhaps Drake Creek duck smoked breast, crispy rillettes, riberry compote, parfait and fig puree. 

The new eatery will be open for lunch Thursday to Sunday and dinner Friday and Saturday. For bookings go to www.tweedriverhouse.com.au