WINE CLUB Newcastle hot spots

Having lived in and around Newcastle for 16 years, I have seen it change from something of a backwater to a really buzzy, stylish city. And thousands like me have discovered that being so close to the Hunter Valley, beautiful beaches and waterways – and just two hours from Sydney by road or rail – makes it a winner in the lifestyle stakes. Here are five of my favourite local watering holes in the neighbourhood – enjoy!

The Grand Hotel

This traditional Aussie pub in the heart of Newcastle is a great base for visitors, offering easy access to attractions such as Newcastle Beach, Nobbys Lighthouse, Fort Scratchley and King Edward Park. As well as providing top-value accommodation, The Grand is home to an unpretentious restaurant that serves up classic pub fare and gastropubstyle dishes. The jewel in the crown? A New York-style speakeasy offering scrummy cocktails, an extensive wine list, late-night closing on the weekend and live jazz twice a week.

32 Church Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300; 02 4049 3686 thegrandnewcastle.com.au

Urban Deli and Bar

Tim Atkinson and Kasia Idczak had originally planned to open a small wine bar, but inspired by their extensive travels around Europe, they came up with a combined wine bar, deli and restaurant. The vibe at Urban is fun and casual – you can experience a taste of Europe mixed with the best Hunter region produce, drop in for glass of wine and some nibbles from the deli, or go for the full dining experience from the sharing-plates menu. Or you can ‘build your own board’, selecting cheeses and charcuterie from the deli.

143 Darby Street, Cooks Hill, NSW 2300; 02 4072 1353 urbandeliandbar.com

Tinta Belmont

Tinta is a stylish but casual venue set smack bang on the Belmont foreshore of Lake Macquarie, about 30 minutes’ drive south of Newcastle. With a menu focusing on local produce (think Port Stephens seafood and Hunter Valley beef) and an extensive cocktail and wine list (yep, you guessed it, plenty of Hunter Valley wines), it’s fast become

Favourite Autumn Food And Wine Pairings

Tortellini with wild mushroom, creamy eschalot and garlic emulsion, finished with freshly shaved Parmesan, served with 2022 Lake’s Folly Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley, NSW a favourite of the Lake Mac community. Its large, open floorplan and uninterrupted views of the lake makes Tinta the perfect spot for a long lunch with friends, a romantic dinner, or weddings and events – they’ve really nailed the ‘something for everyone’ message.

690 Pacific Highway, Belmont, NSW 2280; 02 4947 7223 tintabelmont.com.au

Âpé Yakitori Bar

The latest venture from Nagisa and Susuru operators Taiyo and Yohei Namba, Âpé Yakitori Bar offers a more relaxed setting in which to try some incredible Japanese cuisine. The dynamic, seasonal menu is based on the very best Hunter produce and with everything cooked over charcoal, Âpé lives up to its name, which means ‘fire’ in the Ainu language. In addition to a superb cocktail list, Âpé and Nagisa combined boast one of the largest collections of Japanese sakes in NSW.

2/1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, NSW 2300; 02 4929 4122 apeyakitoribar.com.au

Flotilla

Located in the back streets of up-and-coming Wickham, Flotilla serves creative, seasonal cuisine accompanied by a comprehensive wine list and seasonally changing cocktail menu. Vegetarians will find plenty of imaginative dishes and the team can accommodate all sorts of dietary restrictions if enough notice is provided. The dining experience is described on the Flotilla website as ‘refined yet casual’ and that pretty much sums it up. A wonderful choice for a long weekend lunch.

9 Albert Street, Wickham, NSW 2293; 02 4965 3885, theflotilla.com.au

For information about Stephane’s masterclasses, plus wine-training for hospitality and retail staff, see somaustralia.com.au

Casserole of chicken marylands in white wine with oregano, cherry tomatoes and rosemary, served with 2021 Byrne Farm Pinot Noir from Orange, NSW

Veal shank Osso Bucco with a potato purée and chargrilled cauliflower, served with 2022 De luliis Sangiovese, from Hill Top, NSW