Explore
Oakover Grounds makes its return to the Swan Valley
A familiar Swan Valley favourite is starting a new chapter, with lakeside dining, smoked meats and locally made drinks.
Published
2 min read
Text size
Explore
6 min readExplore
A familiar Swan Valley favourite is starting a new chapter, with lakeside dining, smoked meats and locally made drinks.
Published
2 min read
Text size
Published
Text size
By: Natalie Pugh
With its sprawling lawns, mature trees and lake at the centre of it all, Oakover Grounds has always had the makings of a place to while away an afternoon. Now, the Middle Swan destination is welcoming visitors back under new management, with a fresh line-up of food, drinks and spaces to explore.
The property is now part of Uncommon Ground Group, the team behind Chapel Farm, The Estate at Chapel Farm, Beelzebub Brewing Co. and Collector of Souls Distillery. The group is putting its own stamp on the familiar grounds, while building on the relaxed, open-air appeal that has made the property a Swan Valley favourite.
At the centre of the offering is The Barrelhouse, where breakfast and lunch are served in a relaxed sit-down setting, with tables spilling onto the verandah overlooking the lake.
The menu also features a few favourites from the smoker, making it an option for everything from a morning coffee to a long lunch.
For a more casual feed, The Smokehouse is all about slow-cooked meats, bold flavours and weekend dining on the lawn. It’s a simple affair: order at the Smokehouse, grab a picnic blanket and find a patch of grass to call your own. There’s no need to book, with food served on a walk-in basis.
Those after a proper sit-down lunch can head to The Lakehouse, where Smokehouse favourites are served as generous plated meals, with beautiful views across the water.
The Lakehouse also gives the property a new option for weddings and special occasions. Its spacious interior and adjoining deck provide a lakeside setting for receptions and functions, while a small island in the middle of the lake, reached by a bridge, offers a memorable spot for wedding ceremonies.
There’s more to discover beyond the food, too. The Tasting Lab and Cellar Door brings together wines, beers and spirits from across the Uncommon Ground Group portfolio, offering visitors the chance to sample a little of what the team is making across its venues and businesses. Small groups can drop in for a tasting, with fees redeemable on purchases.
And the grounds are still evolving. An adventure playground is underway, with additional dining and event spaces planned to be introduced in stages. Oakover Grounds has a long history in the Swan Valley, and its return brings a new offering to a familiar address.
