Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station

Set on historic Goonoo Goonoo Station in the Tamworth region, Glasshouse is a modern restaurant with a confident, contemporary aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling energy comes from a buzzing room, warm, professional service and an open-style kitchen that brings a little theatre to the table. Settle indoors, spill out to alfresco seats, or unwind on lounge seating across the open-air terrace.

The cooking leans modern, hearty, country Australian, with a generous nod to produce and provenance. Flavours roam from Mediterranean grilled Abrolhos octopus with fava and paprika oil to beetroot-cured Australian salmon gravlax sharpened by horseradish cream and tangerine beetroot. Mains tip their hat to slow craft: think slow-cooked rolled lamb shoulder brightened with tzatziki and sumac shallot, or beef shoulder tender with Jerusalem artichoke and beurre noisette. Sides might see blackened carrots with whipped goats' curd and spiced nuts, while desserts drift from white chocolate namelaka with rhubarb compote to a winter pavlova with spiced apple and dulce de leche.

The cellar is as considered as the kitchen, with a list hand-picked by “The Wine Man”, Peter Bourne. It is an award-winning destination, earning hats over a number of years, and it feels every bit the luxury escape its setting suggests.

Make an occasion of it, share widely and linger longer; country hospitality with a polished glow is very much on the menu.