Adventure, baby!

North Shore

acre Artarmon: Bar, Cafe & Bakery

acre Artarmon

Enjoy farm-inspired food grown on-site at acre Artarmon. This open-air urban oasis features indoor and outdoor seating, picnic style areas, kids’ play area and chicken coop.

Acre Artarmon

We are frequent visitors to acre at Camperdown Commons, so were extremely keen to check out the new acre in the family, located at the HomeHQ Artarmon. 

acre Artarmon is a cafe, restaurant, bar and bakery set within sprawling indoor and outdoor gardens that produce the food that goes straight into kitchen to produce the meals. 

Acre Artarmon

Featuring local and exotic fruit trees, a kitchen garden, vertical plantings & hydroponic growing systems and planted pergolas, acre Artarmon is a fascinating place to dine and discover, where you can browse the gardens where your food was grown. You know your meal is going to be made with super fresh produce when you can see it growing on the vines!

Acre Artarmon

There are several dining options at acre Artarmon. There is a cafe bakery with freshly baked items that can be quickly consumed or taken to go, such as pies, sandwiches, quiche and delicious croissants. 

Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon

The restaurant extends inside and out onto the terrace, with a breakfast menu offered until 11:30am and a dedicated lunch menu. The breakfast menu features traditional brekkie staples like eggs as well as dishes that hero the fresh plants such as tomatoes and avocado.

The lunch menu offers delicious homemade pizzas and an eclectic menu with burgers, salads and pasta. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes on both menus and the kids’ menu has the usual favourites, served up in a generous portion. Adults might want to try a garden-inspired cocktail.

Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon

We ordered the Kids Margarita Pizza ($10) and Smoked Beetroot, Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Ricotta ($22). Kids also get a cute colouring in sheet if they like.

Acre Artarmon

Outside, there are picnic style seating areas, a kids’ playground and chicken coop.

Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon

If you’re driving there, park in the HomeHQ where the first three hours are free. acre Artarmon is also located 1km from Artarmon or St Leonards station on the North Shore line.

Acre Artarmon
1 Frederick Street, Artarmon
Hours:
Cafe Bakery: Mon – Sat 7am – 5pm | Sun 7am – 3pm
Restaurant: Thursday 4.30pm – 10.30pm | Fri 12pm – 11pm | Sat 12pm – 11pm | Sun 12pm – 4pm
acre-artarmon.com.au

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The Coal Loader and Coal Loader Cafe, Waverton

The Coal Loader Waverton Sydney

The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability and Coal Loader Cafe, Waverton

The Coal Loader is an historic venue in North Sydney, including a large green space, community garden, elevated platform with harbour views, bush walks and the Coal Loader Cafe.

The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability is located on the Waverton peninsula. It’s a fascinating place to delve into Sydney’s past and also learn about its sustainable future. 

The Coal Loader Waverton

Coal Loader History

The Aboriginal Cammeraygal people called the peninsula home for thousands of years. A large rock engraving of a whale survives at the entrance to the Coal Loader site, and there is further evidence of the indigenous community carved into rocks on the bush walks. 

The Coal Loader Waverton

The Coal Loader opened in the early 1920s to serve as a transfer depot for coal to be moved from bulk carriers to smaller coal-fired vessels or to be distributed by road. The elevated platform which is now a place for the community to gather as well as the face of North Sydney’s sustainability plan, once housed a large coal stockpile.

Underneath the platform are a series of tunnels through which coal was transported into coal ‘skips’. The site was decommissioned in the early 1990s. After being dedicated a public open space in 1997, North Sydney Council took over management of the site in 2003, working with a grant from the Australian and NSW Governments to transform the space into the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability.

The site operated for over 70 years before being decommissioned. The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability was opened in July 2011, and the Coal Loader platform opened in March 2018.

Today, the Coal Loader is a place for the community to gather and relax, dine, and learn about sustainable living practices. 

Genia McCaffery Centre

The Genia McCaffery Centre, located inside the historic sandstone building onsite, is a place to visit and be inspired by sustainable concepts. Visitors can get information on how to “green up” their lives, participate in book swaps, and drop off batteries, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, toner cartridges, corks, soft plastics or mobile phones and their accessories for recycling.

The Coal Loader Waverton

Coal Loader Platform

The platform is one of Sydney’s largest publicly accessible green roof spaces. At one hectare in size (or seven Olympic swimming pools next to each other), the concrete and sandstone platform is a multipurpose recreational space displaying sustainable technology and community gardens.

The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton

Coal Loader Cottage Community Garden

Dotted around the Genia McCaffery Centre, cafe and platform are an array of community gardens and the native bush nursery. In total there are 40 raised garden beds, aquaponics facilities, fruit trees and herb planters. Visitors are welcome to admire the gardens and have a bit of a sniff at the produce as it grows – but must be a member of the community gardens to access any produce. 

The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton

Aboriginal Bush Foods Garden

The ‘bush foods’ garden has a variety of edible and otherwise useful native plants from the local area.

Chook Run

While the chickens were on holiday when we visited, they usually live at the Coal Loader and visitors can learn how to keep their own chooks at home.

Coal Loader Cafe

The Coal Loader Cafe is currently open Wednesday to Sunday serving delicious light breakfast and brunch meals. Book a table or be prepared for a bit of a wait. The cafe has a kids’ menu and options for vegetarians.

The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton

Coal Loading Tunnels

Take the elevator or stairs down to the Coal Loader tunnels and explore tunnel 1, features the original coal feeder and cart, and tunnel 2, which takes visitors 160m through the dark to bushland of Balls Head.

The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton

Foreshore Park and Walks

Past the tunnels is the foreshore park with plenty of bush walks. You can also access the park by road if you won’t wish to go through the tunnel. The 2.8 hectare park features a native havens demonstration garden (habitat for fauna), wetlands, picnic areas, and foreshore walk. Along the walk are interpretive signs which talk about the site’s heritage and sustainable transformation. The walk to Balls Head Reserve traverses through the largest bushland remnant in North Sydney.

The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton The Coal Loader Waverton

Digital Kids Trail

While our kid was easily entertained during our visit with scooting, exploring and bushwalking, families can also check out the free digital kids trail, which helps kids discover the Coal Loader’s history, sustainability features, native planting, food gardens, bats, chickens and more. Visit http://www.TheCoalLoader.com.au on your mobile device to begin.

The Coal Loader Waverton Sydney

The Coal Loader
2 Balls Head Dr, Waverton
https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Environment_Waste/The_Coal_Loader
https://www.facebook.com/Coal-Loader-Cafe-543816115654540
http://www.coalloadercafe.com.au/

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More things to do on the Central Coast.

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The Coal Loader Waverton Sydney

Boronia House High Tea, Sydney

Boronia House High Tea, Sydney Australia

Dine inside a Victorian mansion built in 1885 at Boronia House, situated on Sydney’s North Shore. We experienced the Boronia House High Tea when celebrating a wedding at the venue. The historic Boronia House, surrounded by a beautiful garden, is the perfect location for a special function such as a baby or bridal shower, special birthday party or wedding reception.

Boronia House, Sydney, NSW

The Classic High Tea Experience includes a selection of light breads, sophisticated savoury bites, house-made scones with double cream and jam, desserts and cakes, served with a choice of a T2 tea or coffee.

Boronia House, Sydney, NSW

Kids aged 3-12 can enjoy the Little Ladies High Tea, which includes ham and cheese finger sandwich, scone with cream and jam, fairy bread, Remi’s homemade chocolate chip cookie, chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, homemade sweet treat of the day, mini pancake stack with maple syrup and a choice of T2 tea, hot chocolate, iced chocolate, fruit juice, pink lemonade or soft drink.

Boronia House, Sydney, NSW

A Devonshire Tea is also available and includes six bites per person; two finger sandwiches, two scones with cream & jam, two dessert bites and a choice of T2 tea, coffee, hot chocolate, iced chocolate or soft drink.

Boronia House, Sydney, NSW Boronia House, Sydney, NSW Boronia House, Sydney, NSW Boronia House, Sydney, NSW

Boronia House
624 Military Rd, Mosman
Online

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

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Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

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Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

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Chinamans Beach, Mosman: Sydney’s Best Beaches

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia
The beautiful residential suburb of Mosman, on Sydney’s north shore, is home to several stunning beaches including Chinamans Beach. We happened upon this little gem on a hot summer’s day, when we weren’t able to find parking at nearby Balmoral and thought we’d give its smaller neighbour a try instead.

Chinamans Beach is a smaller beach, a 250m stretch of sand that sits inside Middle Harbour. The result is a quiet, calm beach with very gentle water, perfect for families with little kids.

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia

It was named after the areas local Chinese residents who once organised market gardens in the park.

If you want to visit both beaches, Balmoral is only a 1km walk around the rocks to the south. On the day we visited the water was too high so we didn’t attempt it, but it is possible.

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia

There is no shade on Chinamans beach, so bringing an umbrella or tent is advisable. We were lucky enough to score a spot at the south end of the beach under a tree up on some rocks near the path. Not an idea spot, but at least we had some shade.

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia

You also won’t find any cafes or kiosks on Chinamans Beach, so bring plenty of water and food (and sunscreen!). A very enterprising person was selling beach patrons snacks and ice blocks from his little boat when we visited.

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia

There are no lifeguards at Chinamans Beach, however the water is so calm that it’s considered a very safe beach. It does, however, get quite deep as it goes out further into Shell Cove, the bay in front of the beach that is popular for yachts to park.

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia

At the south end, the rocks that lead to Balmoral Beach are fun to climb on and have small rockpools with sea life in them. Be careful as the rocks are slippery and have sharp barnacles on them.

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia

Behind the beach is Rosherville Reserve, a large, quiet park area, perfect for picnics or barbeques. It has plenty of trees and shade, a small playground and decent shower and toilet.

Chinamans Beach, Sydney, Australia

Getting to Chinamans Beach

CAR
The park has a very small car park which is metered (paid). You can also park for free on the streets surrounding Rosherville Reserve, which has a path to the beach.

PUBLIC TANSPORT
Catch a bus that goes through Mosman from the Sydney CBD and Neutral Bay. Check bus timetables here.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney’s Best High Teas

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney's Best High Teas

“Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady, 1880.

The above inscription inside the menu at Burnt Orange could not describe our afternoon any more perfectly. High tea is one of my favourite guilty pleasures that I love to indulge in with friends and family to celebrate basically every occasion possible – in this case, it was a baby shower for a friend.

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney's Best High Teas

Burnt Orange is a cafe known for it’s delicious food and stunning views from the wraparound verandah. It’s a popular place for celebrating special occasions, and it’s common to see groups of hens or baby showers on the verandah taking in the view with a delectable high tea offering.

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney's Best High Teas

High tea is served from 3:30pm onwards. The cafe closes at 5:30pm on weekends, so the only time slot is actually 3:30-5:30.

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney's Best High Teas

Each member of the party was served their own large tea pot that gave around 3 full cups of tea. The tea menu was on the basic side compared to some high tea venues, but it still included all the popular favourites like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, as well as options such as Orange Pekoe (which we all chose), Organic Berry and Russian Caravan.

The food is the focus at Burnt Orange, and we found the high tea to be a perfect size for mid afternoon tea – a great mix of savoury and sweet without being cloyingly sugary.

Savoury
Pumpkin & goats cheese tart with carrot jam
smoked salmon on brioche with avruga caviar and herb ricotta
Poached chicken & tarragon on Avoca brown bread

Freshly baked scones with homemade jams and cream

Sweet
Salted caramel and chocolate tart
Moroccan orange & almond cake with sugared almonds
Classic lemon tart with blueberries & cream

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney's Best High Teas

As the token vegetarian I was served the same tea with a different sandwich option – a really delicious vegetable medley on its own plate.

The food was of the high quality one expects from a venue such as this. The sandwiches were fresh, the scone a good size and fluffy inside, a delicious jam and thick cream, plus the perfect amount of deserts with a variety of flavours. I really enjoyed how different each was – a tart lemon, a salted caramel combined with dark chocolate and an orange cake. The perfect flavour combination.

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney's Best High Teas

The tea is reasonably priced at $40 per person. An additional $10 for a glass of bubbly.

High tea is available by reservation only, and a deposit must be paid over the phone equal to 50% of the booking. Deposit is refundable for cancellations made up to 24 hours prior to scheduled booking.

A 10% surcharge applies on weekends and public holidays.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Burnt Orange
1109 Middle Head Rd,
Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: 02 9969 1020
Prices $$$
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5:30pm
Get Directions

Burnt Orange on Urbanspoon

Hello Kitty Diner Sydney’s Grand Opening

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

The internet has been in a flurry the past few weeks in Sydney over the news of a Hello Kitty Diner opening in Chatswood. I was incredibly lucky to be invited to the media opening of the diner to share an early look at their Hello Kitty experience.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

Inside the diner, it looks exactly like an upscale, retro diner mashed up with some Hello Kitty kawaii. I really liked the details such as the Hello Kitty neon bow on the wall, and the whiskers and bows on the counter stools.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

This adorable merchandise was on display in the window. I don’t know if there are plans to sell Hello Kitty merchandise in the diner or not.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

The adorable Hello Kitty grand opening cake by the talented teams at Bakedown Cakery and Spoon and Fork. They also created cookies for the guests to take home.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

More incredibly cute merch in the window.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

How adorable is the menu? The Hello Kitty Diner Soda is a special concoction exclusive to the diner, and is made from a secret blend of ingredients that Hello Kitty is partial to, including apples.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

While our group was seated at these high chairs, there are also booths on the other side of the diner that area easier for kids to access.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

The main menu. Kids’ meal is a cheese burger and fries, plus soda or milkshake for $10 ($12 if you choose the milkshake). Decently priced dishes, but not a lot of main meal options for vegetarians like myself – lucky they have a lot of sides. The menu has been developed in collaboration with Warren Turnbull from Surry Hills’ Chur Burger, resulting in traditional American diner food with an asian twist.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

As guests at the opening, we were treated to the entire menu to sample. A seriously generous offering! Our favourites included the Pancake Milkshake, Mozzarella Sticks and Sweet Potato Fries. The burgers were a hit with the meat eaters, such as the Maple Burger, which was filled with crispy pork belly, maple glazed bacon, pink lady apple and green slaw.

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

Hello Kitty herself made a special appearance on the day, much to the delight of the kids and adults. What a celebrity!

Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me Hello Kitty Diner #Sydney via christineknight.me

The Hello Kitty Diner is supposed to officially to the public today if you’d like to check it out – please check their Facebook page for opening hours before heading in, as they might be delaying their public opening.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Hello Kitty Diner

CLOSED

436 Victoria Ave,
Chatswood NSW 2067
Phone:
Prices: $
Hours: Daily – check their Facebook page for details.
Get Directions

Hello Kitty Diner Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Sydney’s Best Chocolate Shops: Coco Chocolate Kirribilli

Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me

I love chocolate sooooo much. I particularly love handmade chocolate made with high quality ingredients – it just tastes that much better.

One of my favourite places to buy chocolate in Sydney is Coco Chocolate in Kirribilli. Coco Chocolate specialises in handmade, graded organic chocolate of the finest quality.

If you stop by the Kirribilli shop front you can sample some of their chocolate that’s filled with amazing ingredients like lavender, nuts, fruits and liquors. You can also have what I think could be the best hot chocolate in Sydney. Coco Chocolate has 12 types of hot chocolate on offer, as well as Sacred Grounds organic, fair trade coffee.

Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me

My personal favourite is the May Gibbs collection. Coco Chocolate have the exclusive license to produce these amazing chocolates using Snugglepot and Cuddlepie images. Even better, every May Gibbs Box by Coco Chocolate sold raises donations to Northcott, providing services and support for people with disabilities, their families and carers

Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me

These pink champagne truffles run a close second. Amazing.

Kirribilli via christineknight.me

Near the store is Bradfield Park, home to this extraordinary view of Sydney, lots of room for kiddos to run around, and a covered, fenced in playground.

Coco Chocolate
3a/9B Broughton St,
Kirribilli NSW 2061
Phone: (02) 9922 4998
Prices: $$$
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions

Coco Chocolate Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

The Incinerator Cafe: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, North Shore, Sydney

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney

The Incinerator Cafe is, frankly, a haven for families who want to eat out somewhere decent. House on the ground floor of the Willoughby Incinerator building that was designed in the 1930s by Walter Burley Griffin, the cafe has become extremely popular with local parents who are after a relaxing brunch with friends where their kids are welcome, too.

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney

As well as being a cafe, The Incinerator is also an art space. Large works are around the entrance, and also on the lower level if you take the elevator down to see them. The elevator actually is an artwork itself.

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney
Around the Incinerator building lay picnic tables with small roof covering. Enough to beat off the hot summer sun and make dining outdoors possible without a sunburn. Families also throw down a picnic rug on the grass and grab coffee and a bite to eat from the takeaway stand.

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney

Drinks first: I ordered a Tim Tam milkshake ($8) and a kid’s chocolate milkshake ($4). Mine came in a glass jar, and Cheese’s came in a takeaway cup with a straw. Very thoughtful.

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney

We ordered a Kids Pancakes (x2) with apple and ice cream ($8), the Sweet Potato Rosti (with haloumi, beetroot relish and poached eggs, $17.50), and a “Have It Your Way” 2 free range eggs poached with toast ($9), with sides of mushrooms ($4) and avocado ($5).

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney

The food came quickly, and was well cooked. My egg dish was a delight to my tastebuds. The sweet potato combined with the eggs and beetroot was absolutely delicious. The Tim Tam shake was so good I could have drunk about 10 more.

Hallstrom Park, Willoughby via christineknight.me

After we finished breakfast we walked down the path to Halstrom Park (about 10 metres away). I really like this park because it offers a lot of shade. It also has decent bathroom facilities.

The Incinerator Cafe on Urbanspoon

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

The Incinerator Cafe
2 Small Street,
Willoughby NSW 2068
Phone: (02) 8188 2220
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 7am-4pm
Get Directions

The Incinerator Cafe on Urbanspoon

Coco Chocolate High Tea: Sydney’s Best High Teas

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

Chocolate high tea! These magical words popped up in my Instagram feed one day and I was sold. Coco Chocolate, on Sydney’s Middle Head, produces handmade, high quality organic chocolate. Basically they sell “real chocolate”, so the good stuff with high cacao content and all of the all of the expensive & delicious cacao butter and real vanilla. Coco Chocolate is gluten free and all dark chocolate is vegan, so they basically cater for all dietary requirements too.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

While you can shop at Coco Chocolate’s Kirribili store, their Middle Head location is where the chocolate magic happens. All of the chocolate is made here, and if you’d like to try your hand at making chocolate yourself, you can take a class here at The Sydney Chocolate School. If eating chocolate is more your thing, then book yourself in to the Middle Head location for a decadent chocolate high tea.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

The chocolate high tea at Coco Chocolate is unlike any other high tea you will experience. Located on the balcony and grassed forecourt outside The Sydney Chocolate School, it’s an informal and also intimate affair. The harbour view is sensational, and the atmosphere relaxing (just watch out for hungry magpies!).

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

There are several types of high tea to choose from – we chose the Coco Classic High Tea ($40pp). It included: tea or coffee, shot of hot chocolate, chocolate pistachio shortbread, florentines, scones with jam & cream, melting moments, chocolate selection, flourless orange cakes, chocolate cakes with berry & cream.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

You can upgrade to a Coco Classic Sparkling High Tea for an extra $10, which includes all the above, plus a class of bubbles, or the Coco Moet Chandon High Tea for an extra $20, which includes Moet Chandon Champagne by the glass, tea or coffee, shot of hot chocolate, cucumber sandwiches, salmon & dill sandwiches, scones with jam & cream, chocolate selection, flourless orange cakes, chocolate cakes with berry & cream, vanilla cake with fresh cream & seasonal berry, chocolate strawberries.

Kids are also welcome at this high tea venue, and can enjoy their own Coco Children’s High Tea ($28pp). It includes a mini chocolate milk shake or apple juice, handmade sausage roll, handmade large freckle, chocolate Alice in Wonderland cupcake, and a cookie.

If you’re after a high tea but aren’t the biggest chocolate fan (ummm, then we can’t be friends) you have the option of a Coco Cream Tea ($15pp), which includes scones with a selection of jams & freshly whipped cream & tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

For this high tea extravaganza, I enlisted my dear friend Violet Lily (no, not her real name). We had an extremely relaxing, pleasant high tea experience, sitting under our own umbrella watching the boats sail by. Our host was friendly and informative too – she happily answered all of our many chocolate questions.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

The high tea was made to order, so the tea is by booking only – no walk ins. Everything was fresh and beautifully made. Our favourite part was the chocolate on top – no surprise considering we were at a chocolate shop. The chocolate selection included a variety of Coco Chocolate’s speciality choccies. It was wonderful to sample so many different chocolates from the Coco range, including one with coconut that was my favourite, and the ginger in dark chocolate that Violet Lily loved.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

If you’re a chocoholic, then this is the high tea for you.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: No – a few steps.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Coco Chocolate High Tea
Past Burnt Orange and HMAS Penguin
at Chowder Bay Rd turnoff
Building 21
1110 Middle Head Road
Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: (02) 9960 6540 or (02) 9960 5848 to book
Email info@cocochocolate.com.au
Prices: $$$
Hours: Open by appointment only
Get Directions

Belrose Hotel Revamp: Kid-Friendly Pubs, Sydney

Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me

The Belrose Hotel in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs is famous for being a great, kid-friendly place to eat. The restaurant has just had a massive renovation, and we were invited to check out the new and improved Belrose Hotel at their media launch.

Wedding Day Photographs from Polixenni Photography

If you’ve already dined at the Belrose, you’ll already know about the fantastic (contained) play areas for kids – the largest indoor ‘soft-play’ playground of any of hotel in Australia, with separate infant/toddler and kids’ play areas. Parents can dine right next to the play areas and watch what their kids are getting up to through the clear walls while they eat in relative peace.

Wedding Day Photographs from Polixenni Photography Wedding Day Photographs from Polixenni Photography

What has changed is the dining space, getting a nice face lift to lighten and brighten it up, as well as an overhaul to the menu. The food focus is now on healthier options, with dishes made from fresh, quality produce.

Wedding Day Photographs from Polixenni Photography

The Belrose also now offers full table service and the option to book your table in advance.

We sampled several dishes when we dined at the Belrose – and, for the first time in possible ever, Cheese had a menu that I also wanted to order food off. The kids’ “Little Foodies” menu has lots of delicious and nutritious options so the whole family can eat well.

Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me

Our dining choices were: the Vegetarian Gnocchi ($17 home-made corn, pea and kumara gnocchi served with a creamy mushroom and roast red pepper sauce, topped with a mini herb salad and basil oil), Chunky Chips ($6 with sea salt) Manuka Honey Infused Roast Pumpkin Salad ($15 with roast beetroot, chickpea, snow peas, pepitas, pine nuts, almonds with a cashew yoghurt) Kingfish Fillet ($28, brushed with citrus, parsley, sea salt and olive oil ), and Cheese’s dish, the Sweet Potato, Corn and Pea Gnocchi ($10, tossed in a creamy tomato sauce).

Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me

The dishes were all generously portioned, and arrived hot and freshly cooked. Cheese’s pasta dish arrived first, and then ours a bit later. The gnocchi dishes were absolutely delicious, and the picky Cheese even ate a fair amount of the gnocchi. The salad was massive and packed with good, fresh ingredients. The mains took a little while longer that I would have liked to arrive – hopefully just a teething problem, as the food was really delicious and we will absolutely be back to dine at the Belrose again.

Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me Belrose Hotel Revamp: #kidfriendly #pubs #Sydney via christineknight.me

One more family-friendly feature to mention is the baby change room and family room, so breastfeeding mums who want some privacy can duck in and relax in a comfy chair while nursing their babies. Super considerate.

Wedding Day Photographs from Polixenni Photography Wedding Day Photographs from Polixenni Photography Wedding Day Photographs from Polixenni Photography

The Belrose Hotel is a fantastic venue for families wanting to dine at a restaurant that caters to every member of their group. Highly recommended, check it out!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Belrose Hotel
5 Hews Parade,
Belrose NSW 2085
Phone: (02) 9451 8585
Prices: $
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-12am, Sun 9:30am-10pm
Get Directions

Belrose Hotel Bistro on Urbanspoon