PAGE 64 | GREAT ALPINE ROAD VISITOR GUIDE BRUTHEN A lovely country cottage with delightful home food First opened in 1997, Bruthen Heritage Tearooms is a quaint and delightful place to stop for a cuppa and a bite during your journey along the Great Alpine Road. Lovingly owned and managed by Tanja Hennekam for the past 26 years, the cottage-style eatery is located on the edge of town, next to the BP service station. Because it is situated away from the town’s other food shops, Tanja says people often drive, ride or walk right past. “Even now, after 26 years, people still come in and say ‘oh, how lovely! We have passed by so many times over the years and never stopped…we wish we had now!’” she says. “They also miss out on going to the Visitor Information Centre, which is right across the road. “Those people who do make it to the tearooms, invariably become regulars.” Lovely surrounds Bruthen Heritage Tearooms has a personality all of its own, featuring a lovely, pet-friendly front garden courtyard, adorned with colourful flowers, quirky ornaments, and comfortable outdoor dining settings. Inside the air-conditioned cottage, you’ll find more dining areas, as well as paintings by renowned local artist Marg Preston, and a fascinating array of vintage wares – providing lots of interesting things to look at, and all available for purchase. House-made delights Tanja says many people return to her tearooms for what they describe as the “best toasted sandwiches they’ve ever had…their words not mine!”. The secret to Tanja’s food is that it’s all made by her, with love, from fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Her locally-famous toasted sandwiches include the ‘Ruben’, which features Tanja’s special homemade spicy mayonnaise (with horseradish, chilli and “mum’s sauerkraut”). Other popular Heritage Tearooms toasties include the chicken or ham versions, which feature relishes and chutneys made from Tanja’s own home-grown produce. “No one is ever disappointed!”Tanja says. “Even vegetarians are well catered for, with a mad dash to the garden for freshly-picked silver beat, spinach and herbs. “One thing to know is that I work here on my own, and while I’m quick, it’s best not to be in a rush!” Freshly-baked scones One of Bruthen Heritage Tearooms’ specialties is mouth-watering hot scones, made fresh by Tanja throughout the day, and served warm, with lashings of whipped cream and generous servings of award-winning jams made from home-grown fruit (and also available for purchase by the jar). Of course, excellent coffee, a selection of teas, and delicious cakes and tarts are also on the menu. Licensed Bruthen Heritage Tearooms is licensed, so you can enjoy a beer, wine, fruit cocktail, or even a “pick me up” espresso martini. Bruthen Heritage Tearooms is located at 72 Main St, Bruthen, and is open on weekends and holidays from 10.30am to 4.30pm. To find out more, call 0427 893 989. An example of the delicious homemade treats you’ll find at Bruthen Heritage Tearooms. The sunny garden courtyard at Bruthen Heritage Tearooms. Scones are made fresh by Tanja throughout the day, and served warm with lashings of whipped cream and jam. You can purchase local seasonal fruit, and award-winning homemade jams to take with you. Oven fresh scones all day with award winning jams. Cakes and gourmet toasted sandwiches. Aircon cottage, street side courtyard (pet friendly). Local art and vintage wares for sale. Open 10.30 to 4.30, weekends and holidays M: 0427 893 989 Next to BP Service Station PB16021
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