North Shore institution, The Oaks hotel, has welcomed a garden conservatory restaurant and cellar door as the final stage of its multi-million-dollar upgrade. Beneath the arms of the venue’s namesake 80-year-old oak tree, diners are invited to sip on pretty floral cocktails and sup on French tartines, before visiting the attached cellar door bottle shop for a tipple to take home.

Fittingly, the 133-year-old venue has channelled the old school vibes of a country homestead for its’ flagship restaurant, Alala. For those sitting outside, the picnic-inspired menu feels perfectly in place, with light, summery dishes like chicken terrine with pickled cherries, cast iron oven baked camembert with red stringy bark honey and a vibrant watermelon and labne salad. The menu also includes a dedicated offering of tartines – a French open sandwich – loaded with cured meats and cheeses and topped with fresh garnishes.

Handcrafted cocktails are the order of the day, with a number of refreshing garden party favourites from a Saint Tropex Spiritz splashed with St Germain, cucumber syrup and prosecco to a seasonal bellini (right now it’s strawberry and lychee). There’s also cocktail pitchers for sharing, as well as a generous Australian and European wine list, with rosé served by the magnum.

The indoor-outdoor venue comprises two main areas, a light-filled dining room with impressive bay windows and an extensive outdoor terrace. Inspired by the grand old oak, the colour palette reveals leafy greens, soft blues and apricot tones, which offer a seamless transition from in to out. The outdoor terrace has been kitted out with café furniture and a light canvas awning for summertime shade.

Alala is located at The Oaks, 118 Military Road, Neutral Bay, Sydney. It opens Mon-Sat 10am–1:30am and Sun 10am-12am. For more details or to book, head to oakshotel.com.au.