As the last few weeks of winter are before us, I know a lot of you are dreaming of a sunny getaway… But until the weather warms up, Ipswich restaurants have done their best to provide a little bit of comfort in the way of heartier dishes, cosy fires and heaters to warm the soul.
Pumpyard Bar and Brewery
Only a chef who has a true love of BBQ would arrive to work before sun up on cold, Ipswich winter mornings. Preparing the smoker fire takes knowledge experience and passion, all things Pumpyard’s Head Chef Shawn possesses when it comes to smoking the perfect cut.
Each Sunday during the colder months, the smoker is rolled out into the laneway offering freshly smoked treats from 12pm. The menu rotates each week and has featured succulent pulled beef brisket, bourbon and coke beef ribs and pecan smoked char sui pork.
There is a delicious array of sides to match such as smoked corn ribs, each dish is available standalone or grab a platter to share with a bit of everything, perfect for two. Recently issued with Best of Queensland Experiences badge, Pumpyard Bar offers exceptional experiences.
Their laneway is full of warming gas heaters to keep everyone warm outside and inside is also heated.
The Rusty Nail Bar
The Rusty Nail Bar has updated their menu to use season produce as the weather has dipped.
Their standout comfort food dishes include the lamb BAO (slow cooked lamb, shawarma rub, pickled raddish and preserved lemon yoghurt) , pandanus mochi waffles and pan fired brussels sprouts with speck and walnuts.
Inside is kept at a cosy temperature, but they’ve set up heaters for those who wish to dine and sip outdoors.
Woodlands of Marburg
For a grand dining experience that is also very cosy try The Sugarmill Restaurant inside the Woodlands of Marburg mansion.
For comfort food you can’t go past the red wine braised lamb shanks with sweet potato mash, baby beetroot, Dutch carrots and peas and the gluten free salted caramel apple crumble with vegan vanilla ice cream, vegan salted caramel sauce and fresh strawberries.
However, their winter warming dishes include chicken makhani (served with creamy spiced tomato sauce, bok choy, spiced vegetable fritter and basmati rice) and the roasted apple and pumpkin soup (garnished with coconut cream, candied cashews, garlic and thyme baguette slices.
If you’re having dinner in the mansion you’ll stay warm as the dining room is heated and downstairs the sandstone cellar, available for private bookings, has a beautiful working fireplace.
When dining at Tommy Smith Café the back deck overlooking the Marburg Ranges has electric heaters and the enclosed dining area is kept at a comfy temperature with heating.
The Cottage
The Cottage Restaurant has added a hearty confit duck that comes served with res al hangout, espinaces con garbanzo and roast peppers.
They also have two fire places inside to keep you warm and two heaters on the verandah – which also has blinds to keep the elements out.
Coffee Guru Brookwater
If the cold weather is getting you down, cheer yourself up with one of the winter warmer soups at Coffee Guru Brookwater.
They’ve added outdoor heaters so you can sit outside and enjoy your soup on the coldest of days.
Brothers Leagues Club
Brothers Leagues Club have released a new menu this winter. The hero dish is red wine braised beef cheeks served with bubble and squeak and red wine jus.
Another outstanding dish is the new pan seared parrot fish served with steamed rice, Asian greens and a Thai yellow curry sauce.
Indian Mehfil
Indian Mehfil are using seasonal produce as the weather changes and have added Aaloo Gobhi to their menu for the cooler months. This dish is stir-fried cauliflower and potatoes cooked with Indian spices and fresh ginger and coriander.
The also have heating in the restaurant and outside in the alfresco area.
Jets Leagues Club
In August and September Jets has added a big beef pie on their menu. The delicious big beef pie encased is flakey pastry is served with mash potato, peas and gravy.
Enjoy one by the fireplace at Jets with a glass of something nice.
Memories of India
Memories of India have released a special winter menu with authentic curries including chicken Rajasthani and lamb Rajasthani.
Their murg makan palak (chicken) is also very popular with customers in the cooler weather and the restaurant is fully heated to keep you nice and warm.
Bakehouse Steakhouse
While the main menu at Bakehouse Steakhouse hasn’t changed for the colder months – their sides are always seasonal.
Next time you’re there try the orange roasted carrots with dukkah fetta and olive oil, Byron Bay beer battered onion rings or the beetroot salad with herbed goats cheese dressing, bacon, jalapeno and fried shallot.
The courtyard has several outdoor heaters and blankets to keep outdoor diners warm and toasty all night throughout the cooler months. And inside the original brick building keeps diners warm with its heritage design allowing the heat produced from the kitchen to warm up the building.
