Carrington's Earp Distilling Co. welcomes a new season of food, spirits and good times
From a classic Limoncello Spritz, to adventurous cocktails, relaxed dining and hands-on experiences, Earp Distilling Co. is a Newcastle destination designed for enjoying the good things in life, together.
As the Carrington distillery heads into its eighth year, the team is welcoming a new season with a fresh menu of bright, generous dishes, creative cocktails and plenty of reasons to gather around the table - whether it’s a casual lunch, after-work drinks, date night or a long afternoon with friends.
Located in the industrial back streets of Carrington, Earp Distillery’s distinctive tiled façade is the first thing that will catch your eye. Step through the doors, though, and you’ll find a working distillery, event space, bar and restaurant where the spirits made on site become part of the experience.
While Earp Spirits are a regular sight across the bar at many Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter region venues, there’s something special about sipping them at the source.
“The distillery has always tried to be open, transparent and educational,” says Operations Manager Cat Borg, “That includes inviting guests to experience how versatile these spirits can be. We make a memorable G&T with our Just Juniper Gin, but it also makes an incredible ingredient for curing fish you can’t taste anywhere else.”
Produce-led cooking, made for sharing
Leading the kitchen at Earp Distilling Co. is Head Chef Matt Osborne, who brings more than 25 years of experience cooking in Australia and overseas, including ten years as a Head Chef across London and Sydney.
Matt’s approach is simple: source great ingredients, treat them properly and let them speak for themselves. At Earp Distilling Co, that means a menu that responds to the seasons and makes the most of fresh produce sourced from the region, meaning regular guests have something new to discover throughout the year.
Launching October 14th, the latest seasonal menu continues the distillery’s familiar share-style approach, with dishes designed to work just as well for a relaxed meal for two as they do gathered around the table with friends or colleagues.
Expect approachable modern Australian cooking - familiar dishes with a few creative touches. Local seafood, meat and vegetables bring plenty of colour and freshness to the plate. The distillery kitchen thoughtfully caters gluten-free, vegan, and other dietaries so no one has to miss out.
Our pick from the menu is the Prawn Toast - a generous take on the classic, packed with real prawn. Pair this with the citrus tones coming through their Portside Gin, and it’s an easy excuse for an afternoon at the distillery.
Beyond pairings, Matt’s menu gives guests a different way to experience and understand Earp Spirits - turning flavours from the still into something guests can discover on the plate.
His kitchen operates in close connection with the distilling team, tasting and exploring new spirits, botanicals and experimental flavours as they’re developed.
Just like in the kitchen, the philosophy behind the bar is simple and shines through in every glass - start with great ingredients, then have a little fun with them. These new seasonal cocktails centre around the distillery’s own spirits, alongside house-made extractions, liqueurs and syrups.
When you sip at the source, you can chat with the team about what went into making these spirits - whether you’re enjoying them in a classic preparation, or trying out something a bit more experimental.
Something for every occasion
The new seasonal menu sits alongside a line-up of regular dining, drinking and experience offers designed to make a visit to Earp Distilling Co. simple and memorable.
Elevated Weekday Lunches
Wednesday to Friday, 12–3pm
Skip the burger and head to Earp Distillery for an elevated afternoon. Choose a main (Steak, Chicken, Fish or Veg) served with sides and house drink for just $35.
Bites Night
Thursday, from 6pm
Enjoy a selection of sharable plates for just $15 each - an easygoing option for a casual night out.
Happy Hour
Thursday and Friday, 4–7pm
You can’t beat $6 Earp Spirits mixed drinks, beers and wine. Add something nibbly with a $25 grazing platter complete with a small selection of cheese, charcuterie, bread and olives.
Blending Date Night
Thursday and Friday, from 6:30pm
Combine dinner and creativity with an experience for two. Create your own 500mL blend of gin, rum, vodka or a non-alc option using real distillery flavour extracts while enjoying a paced meal designed for two. $222 per couple.
Cocktail Hour Nightcap
Friday and Saturday, 8-10pm
Wind down the week with a $16 House Cocktail - The perfect way to finish dinner or kick off a night out in Newcastle.
Spritz Sunday
Sunday, from 12pm
Make the most of a long lunch with all house Spritzes just $12 all day
This summer, Earp Distilling Co. is open Wednesday and Sunday for lunch, and Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. A set “Chef’s Selection” menu is available daily for just $59PP.
Whether you’re dropping in for a quick lunch, settling in for cocktails, planning a date night or bringing the whole table together, Earp Distilling Co.’s latest menu is an invitation to stay a little longer.
This article was produced by HUNTERhunter in partnership with Earp Distilling Co. Thank you for supporting the partners who make our work possible.
