Ambermere Inn of Hartley defeated after sustaining two years of China Virus pandemic lockdowns

April 28, 2022

For perhaps the past decade or so our family, friends and neighbours around Katoomba have specially selected to travel to dine at the rustic Ambermere Inn.

This historic and restored colonial inn is situated at the highway hamlet of Little Hartley, which is just a 20km drive from Katoomba westward and descending 600 metres down the Pass of Victoria off the Blue Mountains western escarpment.

Once a rural inn originally called Rose Inn, it was built by English settler and innkeeper Pierce Collits [1765-1848] in the classic Georgian homestead style on 5.2 acre site back in 1845 for his son Joseph. The inn was positioned within sight of the prominent Mount York alongside the original Western Road to Bathurst to capture the passing trade of settlers between Sydney and the Central West after the Pass of Victoria had opened in previously back in 1830.

The inn became the main coaching stop over for Cobb & Co. on route from Sydney to Bathurst and from 1851 to the goldfields beyond, providing a place for travellers to eat and drink. It originally had 13 outbuildings including its own flour mill, stables and black smith shop. The original kitchen was separate from the main building out the back, which was the norm with wood fired stoves in case it caught fire, which it did. Of the original kitchen, only the two brick chimneys remain.

With the arrival of the railway, the passing trade dwindled and it closed as an inn in 1873. It later became a guesthouse for tourists en route to the popular Jenolan Caves.

More than a century later it was purchased as a private homestead in 1999 for $515,000 by Fiona Richardson and her family, who then transformed it into a rustic eatery. It took a decade (1999-2010).

The homestead was passionately and respectfully restored by her and her partner and chef Megs Black and staff re-made commercially viable again into a quality rustic restaurant and a celebrated eatery showcasing local produce from the surrounding NSW Central Tablelands region.

We all just love our Australian colonial heritage

The initial restaurant [2010-2018] was intended for fine dining for the visiting day market from Sydney and also the high end stays of the nearby upper Blue Mountains. Ambermere Restaurant was then more of a food and wine experience offering, according to Fiona.

The quality cuisine, rustic atmosphere, open fires and good old-fashioned friendly country hospitality have been why we’ve been there on a dozen occasions – initially privately and then commercially on tour. The sunny al fresco dining in summer out the back was a lovely treat.

And it turns out that we’re not the only ones who have valued Ambermere’s cuisine and hospitality over the years.

Diners’ Testimonials

August 2016:

“My husband and I had a child free date today and decided to go to Ambermere Rose Inn, cashing in on a Red Balloon voucher he gave me as a gift.

This place is a gem and well worth the drive (we are located in Wollongong so it took us over 2 hours).  We enjoyed a tasting platter for the entree, a choice of 5 dishes for main and a choice of 4 desserts. I had the lamb shanks with sweet potato purée and chorizo for my main and my husband had rabbit pot pie with potato mash, Dutch carrots and Brussel sprouts.

Dessert was pear tart with caramel sauce and ice cream (me) and flourless chocolate cake with berry compote and ice cream (him).  Each dish was matched with a beer or wine of our choice.  All the food and alcohol is sourced locally from around the Central Tablelands region.

The staff were exceptional, their knowledge of the produce was second to none as was their knowledge of the history of the Inn.  It was a perfect day to sit by the open fire and enjoy some delicious food and wine. We will most definitely be back!”

Meg’s plate presentation was always impeccable

May 2021:

“Great food, great location, wonderful staff. A cosy meal by the fire in this wonderful old building with my wife last Saturday made our weekend. Fiona made us feel welcome as soon as we arrived, with a choice of sitting inside or in the garden.”

February 2021:

“Great night over the mountains. What a hidden gem and a pleasant surprise. Dined with friends on their recommendation. Always happy with a menu when it is a big decision choosing what to have. We all had a sensational meal, from the homemade bread and olives to all of our…”

February 2021:

“What a wonderful gem. This establishment is NOT a pub, but set in an old pub. The meals are a bit on the expensive side but worth every cent. The staff are really friendly and accommodating. The meals are different from the usual fare…”

Co-owner and Chef Megs always passionate about using only fresh organic produce

October 2020:

“Exceptional food. Great atmosphere. All our dishes came quickly and were delicious. Creamy burrata with fennel marmalade and spicy blackened cauliflower followed by pork belly with crispy crackling and gorgeous lemony pasta with peas and ricotta. Peanut butter semifreddo with bourbon caramel was also amazing. 100% recommend. Will definitely…”

October 2020:

“Ambermere inn. I went to this place with my boyfriend for a birthday dinner. The ambience was very romantic and the food was beyond amazing! I highly recommend this place! We will definitely come back :)”

January 2020:

“Delicious and interesting menu. We had a lovely lunch at Ambermere. There were so many delicious dishes on the menu it was hard to choose. There were four of us and we decided to share so we could taste more of the delectable delights. We saved room for dessert…”

10 October 2019:

Amazing venue. Absolutely stunning location, with an amazing view of Mount York escarpment. The staff and owner are incredibly friendly and happy to assist in any of your requests. The Sunday live music and lunch is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Cant wait to go…”

Fiona Richardson’s floral arrangement highly creative and complimentary of the rustic decor

September 2019:

“A favourite, always spectacular. This is becoming my new fave place, and I do not know why it’s taken so long to admit that. I think it’s because the impeccable service and food I thought previous visits were flukes. But I am wrong.. They are consistently excellent in service…”

July 2019:

“Delicious and inventive. This is a lovely place to stop for dinner. The menu was very interesting and had some inventive choices, beyond the norm of mountains food, Sourdough bread – excellent! Very friendly staff, great wine list with lots of regional choices.”

The Passionate Owners

Ambermere Inn co-owners [1999-2022] Fiona Richardson and Megs Black

After a decade of restoration and improvements to the exterior and interior, in May 2019 re-opened the Inn ‘Ambermere’ featuring a commercial kitchen, à la carte bistro with a mix of inside and al fresco country-style dining in the rear courtyard, a public bar (below), the Mere Produce Store (initially ‘The Pantry’ and ‘The Tasting Room’) – selling home-made bread, regional wines, preserves and other regional produce. Out the back there is a large colonial barn which has been converted into a function centre to cater for private and corporate events and weddings with live music.

The Public Bar

Fiona:

“My family purchased the property back in the late 1990’s and I moved to Hartley from Mudgee in 2007 to set up the original restaurant, which was just Ambermere restaurant back in 2010,” she said.

Fiona became the innkeeper and Megs the chef. Initially the restaurant “was a lot more upmarket, so we decided to close that restaurant in 2018 (for five months) and do a complete renovation of the place, basically since December 2018 up until us reopening (on Friday, May 24 in 2019).”

Ambermere Inn reopened as a public bar and bistro to recreate the experiences of the inn back in its earlier days.

Fiona:

“It’s back to its original roots, it originally was a Cobb & Co Inn and we’ve taken it back to that. It is an old building, we want to be sympathetic to it, myself and Megs have done it all ourselves, only used tradesmen to do trims we couldn’t do. “We’ve ripped up the carpet, painted the walls, pulled down walls, everything, it’s been tiring but rewarding.”

Along with Ambermere Inn co-owner and chef Megs Black, Fiona has installed a bar in the old original tap room, and a bistro to complement the courtyard and verandah outside. Fiona said the bistro space was a casual and relaxed dining experience and there was also still a strong following from Sydney and Central West as a food destination.

“I wanted to make it a lot more accessible and appealing to our local market. “It’s a nice spot if you want to just come out for a meal and a drink,” she said. Fiona said the Inn had quite a colourful history and she was pleased to see it back operating in the capacity it was originally built for.

Lockdown Setbacks

Regrettably, despite all the efforts and money invested, the business suffered a series of setbacks, starting with two break and enters in March and August 2019 respectively.

Then in November 2019 a series of bushfires spreading through the Blue Mountains region culminated in a rolling state-wide disaster declarations, closing the Great Western Highway and the Blue Mountains and Lithgow regions from all visitation. This went on over the summer season until February 2020, which normally is the busiest time of year for local tourism.

Immediately following the bushfire lockdowns came the torrential rains over February 2020 causing landslips and further road and rail closures. This was immediately followed by the China Virus pandemic economic lockdowns throughout the entire years of 2020 and 2021. Regular torrential rains from the La Niña climate pattern persisted through 2020 and 2021 causing frequent landslides and road closures across the surrounding regions.

All this severely impacted on trade and income for the fledgling business.

Restaurant trade became restricted to weekends, then to just Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant was then forced to close due to COVID restrictions denying patronage. The following message was posted on Ambermere’s Facebook page in June 2021 during the second lockdown.

Just over two years from re-opening in May 2019, by July 2021 the COVID restrictions forced the closure of both the restaurant and store. Only the main public bar traded. Functions were banned due to the NSW Government’s prohibiting public gatherings.

The following postings went on the Facebook page.

By November 2021, the NSW Government’s imposed mandatory lockdowns and travel restrictions had resulted in continual precious little passing trade. A decision was made… [See Postscript an end dated 23rd May 2023].

By November 2021, Fiona and Megs had decided to regretfully call it quits.

7 November 2021:

“Time to say goodbye….

As the Expression goes as one door closes another opens and this seems to be the case for us.

Ambermere has been an incredible journey and wouldn’t have been possible without you our guests joining us at the table to make it the special place that it was.

The building itself has a rich and colourful history like the stories shared within her beautiful sandstone walls and it has been an honour to be custodian of such a building that has been the heart of bringing people together over so many years.

Ambermere’s next chapter is yet to be written but for us we will be moving to the mid north coast township of Bellingen to start on a new project which we will share with you soon….let’s just say we hope to see some familiar faces join us when heading up north!

So we thank you….thank you to our valued guests…thank you to our staff, but mostly thank you Ambermere for encasing us inside what we consider your heart and allowing us to be part of your history.

And that’s a wrap for our story at Ambermere – thanks for the memories everyone ?”

Ambermere put up for sale

For Sale: Originally a Cobb and Co. staging post established in historic 1845 as Rose Inn, Ambermere Inn (public bar and bistro) in Little Hartley is now taking “expressions of interest” through local Hartley Real Estate.

At least the owners stayed local with the sales agent.

December 15 2021:

The media announcement:

‘Innkeeper needed!

Nestled among the rolling hills leading to the Blue Mountains, an original Cobb and Co Inn with a rich and spooky history, has just been listed for sale in Little Hartley.

Buyers looking for a slice of history with views stretching out to Mount York, can purchase the heritage Ambermere Inn. It has been in the one family since the 1990s.

Listed on December 6 through Hartley Realty & Lifestyle Properties, the 2.1 hectare (5.2 acre) property is on the corner of the Great Western Highway and Ambermere Drive and just five kilometres from Mt Victoria.

Hartley Realty spokeswoman, Elise O’Neill, said the property was an integral part of local history with spectacular regional views – “the kind of place that can’t be replicated”.

Originally known as The Rose Inn, it was built in 1845 by Joseph Collits, son of Pierce who was the first innkeeper over the Blue Mountains.

On the main carriageway between Sydney and the Central West, the historic building is one of Australia’s oldest inns. The four bedroom sandstone building was built to resemble the classic Georgian style architecture. It originally had 13 outbuildings including its own flour mill, stables and blacksmith shop.

The current owners or “custodians” Fiona Richardson and Megs Black are off to the mid north coast town of Bellingen. Ms Richardson’s family has owned the property since the 1990s and she did a sympathetic restoration to bring it back to its roots. She has been the innkeeper since 2010.

“It has a connection with Collits’ Inn at Hartley Vale because the Collits built both of them, when Mt Victoria Pass opened in the 1830’s Collits wanted to capture that passing trade,” owner Fiona Richardson said.

While currently closed, Ambermere has been a popular wedding and private function venue. It has a liquor licence, shopfront, restaurant with commercial kitchen and has been a well-loved live music venue. The converted machinery shed includes an additional service kitchen, cool room, a stage, and can seat 100 people, the agent said.

In the 1860s Ambermere had the valuable Cobb and Co coach contract from Sydney to Bathurst and became the main coaching stopover. It was once owned by the local police magistrate, acted as the Hartley courthouse until one was built, and it’s also reputed to have its own ghost.

Ms Richardson told the Lithgow Mercury in 2019 she had come across the souls that inhabit the inn, possibly the ghost of Victoria Pass, Caroline Collits.

“Before I came here I didn’t believe in ghosts but there’s definitely a presence in this house,” she said.

There is potential for Airbnb, subject to council approval. Phone (02) 6355 2002 to arrange a private inspection.

For Sale Expressions of Interest

PROPERTY TYPE Acreage/Semi-rural
LAND AREA APPROX 2.1 hectares (5.2 acres)
FLOOR AREA APPROX 404sqm
REGION Central Tablelands
TOILETS 4
UNCOVERED CARSPACES 10

Ambermere is one of the most impressive and historic landmarks in the Central West region of New South Wales. Nestled at the doorstep of the Blue Mountain National Park, the property is conveniently located on the corner of Ambermere Drive and the Great Western Highway, which is the major carriageway for traffic between Sydney and the Central West, NSW.

With a remarkable sandstone construction featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two separate hosting/entertaining spaces, a commercial kitchen, and more with varied levels of functionality, the original Inn was formerly a residence and reflects the splendour of a bygone period.

As one of Australia’s oldest Inns, Ambermere has enjoyed recent renovations to preserve the historical beauty. This gracious sandstone building was built in the early 19th century to resemble the classic Georgian style architecture. The layout of this Inn is small and intimate, reflecting a skilful design traditionally used to encourage bringing people together over good food & drinks.

Purposely restored to honour the history yet enable space for contemporary celebrations. Ambermere currently exists as a shop front, elegant dining restaurant, wedding and corporate function centre, and a well-loved live music venue.

It is the perfect commercial venue with an ideal backdrop for superb photo opportunities while guests soak in the exquisite atmosphere of the peaceful countryside.

Set on 5.2 acres in Little Hartley, Ambermere is the kind of listing that can’t be replicated.

The grand homestead and function area are aligned with picturesque surroundings complimenting views of Mount York. The entire property is currently licensed for alcohol and dining 7 days a week until midnight. The converted machinery shed includes an additional service kitchen, cool room, a stage, and can seat 100 people.

The local heritage listed property is currently available via EOI through Hartley Realty & Lifestyle Properties.

Property Features

Picturesque setting, 5km Mount Victoria, 14km Lithgow and 2hrs Sydney
Almost 6 acres comprising fertile park-like settings
Historic homestead, four-bedroom sandstone construction c1845.
The homestead is currently used as a popular wedding, corporate and private function venue as well as a restaurant and shop front.
Airbnb potential
Original and modern improvements
Commercial-scale
Multiple Revenue Streams
Room to put your own stamp on it
Alarm System
Courtyard
Dishwasher
Floorboards
Fully Fenced
Outdoor Entertaining Area
Shed
Water Tank
Further renovations and additional DA approval (STCA) open up even further potential
Please call (02) 6355 2002 to arrange a private inspection
Website: https://farmbuy.com/5-ambermere-drive-little-hartley-nsw-2790-276394

It sold four months later.

A new life chapter, owners Megs Black and Fiona Richardson in early 2022 relocated to Bellingen in the NSW Northern Rivers region. The sale went through on 2nd April 2022.

Good times

Good story ending

Postscript:

The property and business were sold – “it was purely a personal decision for us to make a move up north” to Bellingen on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.

~ Fiona 23rd May 2023.

Their new eatery is as follows:

Osteria Fiume

58 Hyde St

Bellingen NSW 2454

www.osteriafiume.com.au

Ambermere For Sale Description:

[Dated: 2023-01-06]

SOURCE: Hartley Realty, ^https://www.hartleyrealty.com.au/property?property_id=876138

“Ambermere is one of the most impressive and historic landmarks in the Central West region of New South Wales.

Nestled at the doorstep of the Blue Mountain National Park, the property is conveniently located on the corner of Ambermere Drive and the Great Western Highway, which is the major carriageway for traffic between Sydney and the Central West, NSW.

With a remarkable sandstone construction featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two separate hosting/entertaining spaces, a commercial kitchen, and more with varied levels of functionality, the original Inn was formerly a residence and reflects the splendour of a bygone period.

As one of Australia’s oldest Inns, Ambermere has enjoyed recent renovations to preserve the historical beauty.

This gracious sandstone building was built in the early 19th century to resemble the classic Georgian style architecture.

The layout of this Inn is small and intimate, reflecting a skilful design traditionally used to encourage bringing people together over good food & drinks.

Purposely restored to honour the history yet enable space for contemporary celebrations.

Ambermere currently exists as a shop front, elegant dining restaurant, wedding and corporate function centre, and a well-loved live music venue.

It is the perfect commercial venue with an ideal backdrop for superb photo opportunities while guests soak in the exquisite atmosphere of the peaceful countryside.

Set on 5.2 acres in Little Hartley, Ambermere is the kind of listing that can’t be replicated.

The grand homestead and function area are aligned with picturesque surroundings complimenting views of Mount York.

The entire property is currently licensed for alcohol and dining 7 days a week until midnight.

The converted machinery shed includes an additional service kitchen, cool room, a stage, and can seat 100 people.

The local heritage listed property is currently available via EOI through Hartley Realty & Lifestyle Properties.

– Picturesque setting, 5km Mount Victoria, 14km Lithgow and 2hrs Sydney
– Almost 6 acres comprising fertile park-like settings
– The homestead is currently used as a popular wedding, corporate and private function venue as well as a restaurant and shop front.
– Historic homestead, four-bedroom sandstone construction c1845
– Airbnb potential
– Original and modern improvements
– Commercial-scale
– Multiple Revenue Streams
– Room to put your own stamp on it
– Further renovations and additional DA approval (STCA) open up even further potential.”