Junction: Where style meets substance

from Bride & Groom — Echuca-Moama 2021-22

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STORY: GEORGIA ROSSITER

ELEGANCE, SOPHISTICATION AND FINE DINING ARE THREE THINGS YOU’LL FIND ON THE BANKS OF THE MURRAY AT JUNCTION MOAMA.

First established in the 19th century, the Junction has a rich history of hospitality in the Twin Towns. Appropriately named, the Junction sits at the intersection between the Murray and Campaspe rivers. What began as the humble Junction Inn is now the union of “timeless elegance and modern sophistication”.

Today, it caters for countless events and celebrations, including wedding receptions, bridal showers and engagement parties.

“We view ourselves as the ultimate escape,” events co-ordinator Marie-Claire Skate said.

“It’s the perfect spot to have our sensational food, which is really focused on local produce.”

And the food really is sensational—offering everything from an a la carte menu to antipasto platters to high tea, classically trained chef Richard Pattenden is passionate about providing the best local produce for the Junction’s guests.

“He’s always super-excited about a challenge and is constantly coming up with these new concepts,” Marie-Claire said.

Richard’s newest venture is ‘High Cheese’, a fromage-filled take on the Junction’s classic high tea catering option. A selection of cheeses and accompaniments replace the traditional finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats—sure to satisfy any turophile.

Junction’s “epic” selection of T2 teas and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival are included in both.

Junction hosts these refined meals in the circular lounge, a stunning function room fit to cater for 28 people in a sit-down function or up to 40 for a cocktail party, and boasts elegance befitting royalty. The high tea or high cheese (whichever you prefer) is a sophisticated choice for a classic upcoming wedding celebration.

Marie-Claire said she had been organising the popular high teas for bridal showers since Junction first began crafting the delicate finger food.

“It’s lovely, lush with plenty of food, sparkling bubbles, and a lot of laughter.”

The antipasto grazing table is another popular option for wedding parties, serving different cheeses, meats, nuts, and various other hors-d’oeuvres.

“It’s such a great centre-piece,” MarieClaire said.

“People can graze on it throughout the night, it’s such a great focal point.”

Accompanying the extensive menu is, of course, a long beverage list. Along with the classic beers and spirits comes a plethora of locally sourced wines and house-made cocktails.

Venue manager Sean Funston has strong experience and expertise in wine. His position has seen all the staff at Junction undergo wine training to provide the best experience for guests.

“The wine list he’s put together at the moment is really new and exciting,” MarieClaire said.

“He knows his wine inside-out and upsidedown.”

Many of the wines on the list showcase the region’s best “complemented by the world’s premium spirits”.

Junction’s food and wine experience is all provided in its picturesque venue by the Murray. The unique collection of function rooms are as elegant as their descriptions sound, and can cater for weddings with up to 300 guests.

The venue’s licensing means it can only welcome guests over the age of 18. As a result, the Junction is best suited to host the engagement party or rehearsal dinner. Even, Marie-Claire says, the dinner to introduce the parents to each other.

“It was the first time his parents were meeting her parents,” she explained of a dinner catered for by the Junction.

“They came in, had a beautiful dinner, a few laughs, got the cocktails going. “By the end, everyone left best friends.”

Along with the circular lounge, the wine room offers an intimate setting for a small reception hosting up to 80 guests. For larger parties, there’s the upper level with its own bar. For summer events, there’s also the deck that can be included when hosting from the upper level or the circular lounge.

“We’re just in such a gorgeous, beautiful setting,” Marie-Claire said.

On Fridays and Saturdays, you can even take advantage of the Junction’s in-house DJs to deliver the soundtrack Junction is renowned for.

“You’re almost getting a free DJ, really,” Marie-Claire said.

“They play that sort of cool, funky background music that we are so well known for.”

Junction has catered for many weddings, both traditional and less so.

One ceremony for the marriage of a couple in their 80s was very moving for the staff at the venue.

“It was just the most beautiful, sweet thing I’ve ever seen,” Marie-Claire said.

“There was just so much love in the room.”

At another wedding at Junction, the bride’s magnificent dress was so voluminous, it didn’t fit behind the bridal table. Marie-Claire said that after a few moments of panic, they managed to “tame the dress”.

“This dress was just epic, it had layers upon layers,” she said.

It’s Junction’s dedication to cater for all possible scenarios that happen on the big day, complemented by the exquisite food and wine, that sets it apart as one of Echuca’s premier wedding venues.

“It is unique, and it comes down to the food and beverage offering,” Marie-Claire said.

“We’re trying to bring people together over the love of good food.”

To inquire about Junction Moama’s catering options, visit junctionmoama.com.au

Adelphi Apartments, set on the banks of the Campaspe River, is located in the heart of Echuca’s old town, steps away from the intriguing local history of Echuca’s river port. Adelphi Apartments offer the comfort of home with the luxury of a boutique hotel with a selection of spacious, clean and comfortable self-contained apartments to choose from. Built with modern furnishings and all the necessities but set in the rustic bush surrounds of the Campaspe River.

25 Campaspe St, Echuca (03) 5482 5575 info@adelphiapartments.com.au www.adelphiapartments.com.au

PORT OF ECHUCA DISCOVERY CENTRE SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW...

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