Being brought up in the country, I do have a tendency to like things a little bit rustic. When we stepped foot into Saddles property at Mt White, I instantly connected to its theming and it brought back fond memories of a Country life. Together, we both like little weekend getaways, so the fact that Saddles is only an hours drive from Sydney makes for the perfect getaway.

Saddles is a stunning bakery, cafe and restaurant in Mt White. Heading up the M2, just after the Mooney Mooney Brooklyn bridge on the way to the Central Coast, you’ll find a turn off to Mt White. Saddles is found about 10 minutes down tge road, inconspicuously sign posted, the turnoff which may be missed if you haven’t planned a visit. However as we drive in, we see it’s completely packed. From what we hear, it’s booked out 3 weeks in advance. Rightfully so, Saddles is outstanding in every regards. It is an absolute gold mine and one of the most picturesque places we’ve been.

John Singleton, entrepreneur (of Bon Pavilion, as featured in another of our posts, and owner of a number of other locations) purchased this 10 hectare property, built a man made dam and an overlooking bakery and restaurant, all amongst the stunning bush backdrop. The view is picturesque. Sit in the restaurant, look out at the view and you will be completely relaxed.

With oldies on road trips, families having celebrations and a few couples too, it’s perfect for any guest. We describe the space as bush elegance.

A large wooden cottage featuring iron bark beams, a fireplace as the focal point, opening both into the lounge and outdoor and dining areas. Velvet and brass Lounges are draped in furs, and tables feature interior design books, candles, dropped pendant lights – the styling is on point.

Artisan Saddles hand crafted by Heath Harris, featuring as amazing chairs utilised for bar seating. There’s also a beautifully crafted piano off to th side of the bar, another great feature.

This well considered styling continues on into the bathroom with cast iron sinks, brass taps and huge brass rimmed mirrors.

An open kitchen allows you to see the kitchen at work, and it is clear they are super busy and plating the meals with precision and efficiency.

Saddles bakery and restaurant serves breakfast and lunch as well as a dinner menu on Fridays.

We’re here for the brunch menu, for choice of dring there were freshly made juices, milkshakes coffees and even a morning mimosa, a Bloody Mary is also an option. We have a coffee, the house blend. Smooth and not too strong.

Spoilt with choice, it is difficult to order, as there were many options we liked the sound of. We often like to share a number of items under these circumstances

The house made granola, with pecan, oats, dried fig, cranberries, other roasted nuts and served with a thick creamy fromage Blanc, and poached rhubarb. We really enjoyed this choice and find it’s the perfect rustic dish for this venue.

Followed up by the asparagus and eggs dish which is brightly coloured with its greens, served with mushrooms, tomatoes (to replace avo which had sold out). It was topped with a pistachio crumb, spring herbs and a lemon dressing. The nicely poached, making for a spectacular yolk explosion when piecing the whites.

Waffles, corn fritters and poached trout are amongst the other menu choices, but we needed to leave space for something that caught Kurt’s eye instantaneously, the Pork & Fennel Sausage Roll with Salad and House Made Sauce. This sausage roll was gigantic, with a golden crisp pastry nice and flakey, the filling a flavourful, moist sausage mix. This is now added to our list of favourite sausage rolls.

We finish off with a patisserie item, their famous lamination. A fluffy sponge, filled with jam and coated with chocolate and topped with roasted coconut. A crowd favourite.

This is one the best brunch menus we’ve seen in a while, we love the use of ethically sourced local produce, house made ingredients and the care taken into making each dish. We look forward to returning to try more and also samping their dinner menu.

Whilst you’re here, take a walk around the stunning site. It features full time staff working on the landscape and gardening and there’s also an on-site nursery selling flowers, succulents, plants and even horse riding gear. We purchase ourselves a little indoor plant on our way out.

We recommend booking at least three weeks in advance, as they are super busy. There’s a few lounge seats for walk ins, but I wouldn’t take a risk as you don’t want to miss out. They also do takeaway pastries and coffee.

Put Saddles on your foodie destination and culinary bucket list, for it is absolutely worth the trip.

Saddles

Phone: 02 4370 1152

Address: 20 Ashbrookes Road

Mt White NSW

Opening hours

Daily: 8am – 5pm

Friday: 8am – 8pm

Thank you to the venue for the hospitality, to Scout Pr and This is the Central Coast for organising our visit.