The difficulty with making a '10 things to see and do list' in a town is narrowing it down to just 10. Over several days in Richmond, Tasmania I set out to discover some delicious and delightful venues.
1. The Richmond Bakery
The long lines at this shop are testament to how good the food is. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, depending on the weather, this is a delicious dining experience. Their scallop pies are little parcels of mouthwatering goodness. The most popular item sold here is their vanilla slices.
2. Sweets and Treats
Opened in 1985, this old-style lolly shop will find a sweet spot in anyone's heart. Soft, hard, chewy, sweet, sour, stick, chocolate or licorice, their lollies will please most people. They even stock a small sugar-free range. Ice-creams, nuts and crackers are also available. A large part of their range is made in Tasmania, and they stock an extensive selection of English sweets.
3. Tearooms and Cafes
There is a multitude of these to choose from, each one as good as the next. The hardest part is the choice. hmmm, all the more reason to book a return visit.
4. Czegs Cafe
This would have to be my favourite in town. The whole ambience of the venue is wonderful. Modern vs old vs cosy comfort vs top service. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as catering gluten free, vegetarian and vegan. Find a seat and then order and pay at the cash register.
5. Richmond Chocolate Shop
Fantastic fudge, delectable chocolates and mouthwatering ice-creams and gelatos are all in one place at the chocolate shop. They also sell coffee and have outdoor seating where you can indulge in your purchases and watch the world go by.
6. Littlewood Berry Farm
Picking your own strawberries in a beautiful setting, then sitting on the freshly mown green grass, or sitting on repurposed pallet chairs and enjoying those flavourful morsels of sweetness is pure bliss. This small boutique business offers a picking experience between October and April, depending on the season. It is advisable to call first to see if the fruits are ripe. You can also buy jam, honey and sauces here. As well as the strawberries, they grow rhubarb, mulberries, blueberries and raspberries. Littlewood does not use any chemical sprays. If you visit during strawberry season, taste some of their delicious homemade ice-cream.
7. Old Pub
The Richmond Arms Hotel started out in 1827 as the Lennox Arms and has been a comfort station for travellers since those early horse and cart days. The original hotel was destroyed by fire in 1888 and rebuilt. In my opinion, no country town should be without at least one pub. Today, visitors can enjoy the country hospitality and home style cooking in this award-winning venue situated perfectly on the main street.
8. Drink Tasmania Tasting House
The open fireplace is not the only thing warmly welcoming you here. The staff do a fantastic job of making you feel at home straight away. They are passionate and knowledgeable about the various alcoholic drinks they sell. Tastings are available for a small charge. Here you will find gourmet Tasmanian produce, cider, local wines, single malt whisky, liqueurs, vodka, gin and run.
9. Pooleys
Accommodation and a restaurant are both located just out of town at the Pooleys estate. This is Tasmania's first certified environmentally sustainable vineyard. This means that they are on the cutting edge of land care, have healthy soil and tasty grapes. Started in 1985, three generations of Pooleys have worked these vineyards.
The Coach House cellar door and tasting room is located at Butchers Hill behind the 1832 convict-built Belmont, a heritage listed Georgian home. Bookings are essential. Click here.
From Friday to Sunday 12-3pm visitors can indulge in wood fired pizzas at the cellar door. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat and wine tasting looking out over the vineyards. The hardest part is leaving here.
10. The Wicked Cheese Company
I do love a good cheese tasting, a perfect way to sample and then select a large serving to take away. The cheese company also sell tasting platters, meals and drinks. There is a wide selection to choose from. Windows into the cheese room allow you to see the cheese maturing. This is a lovely place to stop and refresh.
As I mentioned at the start, it is so hard to narrow a wonderful selection down to just ten, maybe I need to revisit and work on my researching for the next top ten favourite food places in Richmond. Mmmm! Let me know your favourite Richmond fare in the comments.
Happy Travels!
So would love to go
How does one choose between great bakery food, cheese, wine or chocolates?
I love them all.
It all sounds so good Helen but now all I can think about are those lemon bars at the Ruchmond Chocolate Shop!
Worth at least a week just to nosh there.
Oh my gosh, decisions, decisions decisions!