One of Adelaide’s most iconic sites has another feather in its cap with the opening of Botanic Lodge, headed by chef of the moment, Tom Tilbury. 

Positioned directly behind the acclaimed Restaurant Botanic on a lakefront in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, the new venture offers a more laidback but equally impressive indoor/outdoor dining experience that pays homage to the restaurant’s beautiful surrounds.

Tilbury, a born-and-raised South Australian, said of the opening, “I’m thrilled to bring this new concept to life in such a stunning location. 

“The Adelaide Botanic Gardens have always held a special place in my heart, and to be able to create an everyday dining experience that complements and draws inspiration from this environment is truly exciting.”

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With direct access to the South Australian food basket, the Botanic Lodge showcases local, seasonal, sustainably and ethically sourced produce – reflecting the ever-evolving views of the gardens. Inspired by elements of Tilbury’s childhood and Australian nostalgia, the menu offers familiar yet elevated flavours such as a lamington with jam from the ‘native peach’, quandong.

“I remember buying Golden Gaytimes from the kiosk where The Lodge will be located as a kid during summer,” says Tilbury. 

“Without giving anything away. I may just include a soft serve machine.”

Botanic Lodge opened late September at Main Lake (Kainka Wirra) Adelaide Botanic Garden. For more details, head to the website.

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