Our Top 5 Foodie Favourites in Somerset
Somerset locals love nothing more than to dig into a generous serving of home-cooked tucker. That’s why the local cafes and pubs always serve up the goods, packed with fresh Somerset flavours.
Located in the heart of Queensland Country, Somerset is jam-packed with options for foodie-foragers. Just one hour from Brisbane, the gateway to Toowoomba and on the doorstep of the Sunshine Coast, you don’t have to travel far to experience the flavours of Somerset.
Somerset has a rich farming history and recognises the farmers whose dedication and hard work, produce an abundance of fresh produce to market. Thanks to Somerset's farmers, we can enjoy local specialty meats like prime beef, venison, quail and poultry. To sum up, Somerset is simply paddock-to-plate perfection! With so many delicious options on offer, it’s often hard to know where to start, but never fear. We’ve compiled our Top 5 Foodie Favourites in Somerset to get you started. Bon appetite!
1. Brisbane Valley Farm Direct
Located by the expansive waters of Lake Wivenhoe, Brisbane Valley Farm Direct has been producing some of Australia’s best protein products for four generations. What started as a pioneering dairy operation, has grown and diversified over the years to produce award winning beef, poultry and quail. What’s more, Brisbane Valley Farm Direct hosts a range of farm to fork events throughout the year that celebrate their produce and paddock to plate philosophy. With events ranging from exclusive gala degustations, banquets in the paddock, food festivals, trail-side treats along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and more, Brisbane Valley Farm Direct events are guaranteed to make your tastebuds sing. With five-star dishes dreamed up and prepared by Brisbane Valley Farm Direct’s very own signature executive chef, Jason Peppler, the results are always mouth-wateringly good.
2. Esk Grand Hotel
Nestled in the town of Esk, awaits the Esk Grand Hotel, a classic country pub with some of Somerset’s finest flavours. The Esk Grand Hotel serves up a range of exceptional and mouth-watering meals to temp the inner foodie in us all. Their team of in-house specialty chefs seek out seasonal, top quality Queensland produce for a true to farm-to-fork finish. With a mix of hearty country classics, inspired modern cuisine and delicious desserts, the Esk Grand Hotel is sure to be a dinner winner.
3. Picnic Society
What can we say about the Picnic Society? It’s simply paddock-to-plate picnic perfection! The Picnic Society HQ and café is located in the beautiful town of Toogoolawah. The café and online shop offers a range of seasonal, local handmade providore items, picnic boxes and grazing platters as well as picnic sandwiches, homemade cakes and glorious coffee. The café’s exciting retail section features beautifully curated vintage glass and chinaware and an extensive range of locally produced jams, relishes, chutneys, cheese pastes, syrups and more. Indulge in a Picnic Society gourmet picnic box and enjoy in one of Somerset’s most scenic picnic spots. Alternatively, choose from a selection of the Picnic Society’s favourite menu items and build your own picnic hamper. Drop in for a bite and a brew at the Picnic Society café on weekends from 8am – 2.30pm. Weekday visits, group functions, Picnic Box orders and catering requests are also available upon request.
4. Sister Bake Co
Located along the Brisbane Valley Highway in Toogoolawah, awaits a sweet surprise at Sister Bake Co. With home-made fudge, hand-crafted goods and sweet surprises galore Sister Bake Co is bound to satisfy your sweet tooth! Hand made with love in Toogoolawah, this is old fashioned fudge for a bold new world. In an array of colours, shapes and sizes, there’s a fudge flavour to suit everyone. Using only the highest quality Australian ingredients it’s no wonder Sister Bake Co, hits the sweet spot for both kids and adults alike.
5. Yowie Coffee
Kickstart your Somerset adventure with a Yowie Coffee. Unlike its elusive namesake, Yowie Coffee is easy to spot. Located on the doorstep of the Sunshine Coast, in the beautiful town of Kilcoy, Yowie Coffee awaits. Yowie Coffee has been not just brewing, but roasting, coffee since 2004. With aromatic blends and delectable flavours, there’s nothing like a Yowie Coffee. Drop by the coffee van in Yowie Park, Kilcoy from Thursday to Sunday to try this Somerset favourite and take home a bag as a souvenir to brew at home.
