Officially set to open on Tuesday 15 July, The Banksia bar and restaurant has unveiled its full menu, blending its vibrant dining experience with old-world Mediterranean flavours and local produce.
Centred around a small plates concept that delivers big flavours and vibrant colours, the menu lends itself perfectly to sharing and provides the perfect backdrop for a date night, celebration with friends, or a business lunch to impress.
Taking inspiration from its name, The Banksia, elements of fire and smoke are being brought through in a selection of the food and drink offering.
Made up of four core sections, the All-Day Menu comprises a mix of seafood, meat, soil and grill options. Guests can expect a host of Mediterranean staples, in addition to some tasty showstoppers sure to ignite the tastebuds. From Beef Brisket Pachanga and Hummus Kavurma, to King Scallops and Beetroot Tarator, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Diners can also choose from classic Mediterranean nibbles, or tuck into some traditional mezze options, including the signature Banksia Hummus, which provides the perfect spectacle for guests to enjoy as it is prepared at the table.
For those with a sweet tooth, guests can finish their visit with a choice of delicious desserts – from spiced doughnuts soaked in honey and topped with pistachios, traditionally known as Lokma, to the Banksia adaptation of a refreshing Citrus Cheesecake with rose syrup and almond crumble. No Mediterranean menu would be complete without authentic favourites such as Baklava and Traditional Tiramisu which will also feature.
When it comes to choosing a drink to complement the meal, or simply a spot for an after-work drink or weekend catch-up with friends, The Banksia bar menu will provide a host of tipples and non-alcoholic options to choose from. With an array of enticing cocktails and mocktails – from classics to some Banksia originals and a spritz collection – a carefully selected wine menu, spirits and soft drinks, whatever the occasion, guests will be spoilt for choice. Particular showstoppers include Date Night, Ale Fashioned and Violet Delight.
Giving a nod to the site that came before it, and the rebirth and regeneration from which it takes its name, The Banksia has also curated a special ‘Cosmopolitan Selection’ made up of four different drinks that have been given a modern twist on the timeless classic.
The Banksia will also offer a brunch menu, perfect for those slow weekends or morning business catch ups. The Mediterranean influence will continue, with savoury options such as Turkish Eggs and Chickpea Fritters. For those who prefer sweet options, brunch goers can select the Buttermilk Lemon Ricotta Pancakes served with orange compote and candied pistachio, or a choice from the Banksia Pastry Selection if looking for something slightly lighter, or to take away with them on their day.
Craig Rogan, Head Chef at The Banksia, commented: “The Banksia menu has been a real labour of love – Mediterranean cuisine is one of my favourites, so to be able to bring together things that I genuinely love to eat myself with local produce, has been particularly special. Bars and restaurants need to offer so much more than just delicious food and drink, so our diners can expect a truly vibrant experience from the moment they set foot through the doors to The Banksia.
“After months of preparation and perfecting the dishes, it’s incredibly exciting to be opening our doors to the public next week. We hope they get as much joy out of tasting our food as we have had creating it. Whilst it’s incredibly difficult to choose, if there’s some highlight dishes that I’d recommend from the menu, it would have to be the Hummus Kavurma, Lokma and the Banksia Salad, which is no ordinary salad – you just can’t go wrong!”
