Nestled one of Armidale’s stunning historic homes is one of the region’s finest restaurants. Known not only for its fabulous cuisine but also for its ambience and exceptional, warm service, it’s a little wonder that The Cottage Restaurant and Bar has earned itself a reputation as being Armidale’s premier dining destination.
Owner of The Cottage, Shane Ross, said, “We opened The Cottage in March 2022.”
“I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for 30 years and we’ve been living in Armidale for 17 years – I knew there was a gap in the Armidale dining market, so when the opportunity came up for The Cottage, we leapt on it.”
The fully restored home that now houses The Cottage resides on Armidale’s Barney Street, and was built in 1886.
From the stunning casement and stained-glass windows, through to the cosy heritage fireplace, the whole building speaks to a level of sophistication and old-world charm.
“I love the building,” said Mr Ross.
“It’s got such a unique ambience. It doesn’t matter what else has happened that day, the second I walk through the doors it has a beautiful, calming effect.”
Since Mr Ross and his family opened The Cottage just over 2 years ago, they have cemented themselves as the place that locals and tourists alike go – be it for a special occasion or just because they love the food.
“We get a lot of return and regular customers now, and as the name gets out there it’s definitely getting busier, we actually tracked our biggest week on record last week,” said Mr Ross.
Running the restaurant alongside his wife and two sons, aged 18 and 20, The Cottage is a true family business, with Mr Ross hopeful that one of his boys will be keen to take the restaurant on eventually.
The restaurant prides itself on its beautifully presented- Mediterranean style cuisine.
Mr Ross and Head Chef Danou Killen-Cullen change the menu seasonally as well as coming up with some amazing specials to keep things fresh for their customers.
The Cottage is now undertaking semi-regular themed evenings, the next of which Mr Ross tells us will be a seafood night.
A genuine lover of the Armidale community, Mr Ross often gears these themed nights towards fund raising for local community groups.
Their most recent Taste of Asia evening in September was in aid of Armidale Meals on Wheels and another recent Christmas in July event raised funds for the Armidale Women’s Shelter.
“I love being able to give back to the local community. We wouldn’t be where we are without Armidale so it’s very special to be able to support them back,” said Mr Ross.
Between the Ross family and their 15 dedicated staff members, The Cottage serves to many a special event, catering to everything from graduation dinners and birthdays, all the way up to Christmas parties and weddings.
“For bigger weddings we use the event room next door which has proved very popular but we’ve also catered quite a number of events in the restaurant itself.”
This is where, for Mr Ross, the real magic happens.
“It’s so incredibly special and such a privilege to be a part of people’s special memories – in the last couple of weeks we’ve catered to a 75th wedding anniversary and an 80th birthday and I always try to make sure we’re putting a special touch on these events for people,” said Mr Ross.
“This is the part of my career that feels so incredibly rewarding and it also makes us feel like we’re a real part of the incredible community of Armidale – this town is filled with some really good people.”
When asked if there’s any big plans for The Cottage in the near future, Mr Ross said he is perfectly happy with the way things are.
“You know I really just like to fly under the radar and be humble, people have very high expectations and we are very content just doing what we do and making people happy along the way.”
Clearly the people of Armidale agree.
If you’ve not had the chance to check out The Cottage yet, as the winner of the Best Restaurant in the New England in the recent Best in the New England promotion, it comes with many glowing reviews.
Bookings are strongly recommended and can be made by contacting the restaurant directly on 0408 322 004.
For more information about the menu, and The Cottage’s themed evenings, visit their Facebook page.
The Cottage Bar and Restaurant was voted by New England Times readers as the Best Restaurant in the New England 2024.
See the other winners and more details about this promotion.