The Acre Eatery in Sydney is probably one of the inner west’s best kept secrets. A stunning farm-to-table establishment located in Camperdown Commons, this venue now stands where the Camperdown Bowling and Recreation Club once existed. The beautiful thing is that this farm-like eatery is now a community hub for locals to gather and feast. What could have been developed into another block of bland high rises, is now a feel-good urban farm in the city. The establishment is located within Camperdown Commons, which is also home to not-for-profit organisation Pocket City Farms. Pocket City Farms take neglected spaces in Sydney and turn them into sustainable, urban farms.
The venue boasts three areas to dine in – a sunny garden terrace, a takeaway section (known as the ‘Container’) and an impressive, country-style dining room that is fit for a wedding. And yes, Acre Eatery does cater for such events. The funky Spritz Bar is located on the Garden Terrace and is a great space to sit around with friends and share a meal over a few drinks. Breakfast is served in the Garden Terrace five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday and is the perfect location for a relaxing weekend breakfast, overlooking the community garden.
Breakfasts don’t get any heartier than the ‘Country Breakfast’, which includes homemade pasture-raised pork sausage, butter mushrooms, bacon, grilled tomato, free-range poached egg, toast and pickles. For something a little naughtier, you may want to consider the spelt flour ricotta hotcakes with macerated berries, maple butter and caramelised banana. The maple pecan granola with coconut yogurt, honey and fresh spring fruit is also another gorgeous spring breakfast offering.
But if you can’t get to Acre Eatery for breakfast, the ranch-house style dining room is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturdays. With signature farmhouse shares such as free-range lamb shoulder with new potatoes and string bean salad or slow roast porchetta with young carrots, peas and pancetta, there’s plenty to get excited about.
The good news is, if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate Christmas Day with friends and family, but would rather let someone else deal with the baking and table decorations, Acre Eatery is open from 12pm to 5pm. For $199, you can enjoy a festive spritz, beer or sparkling with canapes on arrival in the garden terrace, followed by a festive 3-course meal in the dining room. Children under 10 years of age dine for $50.
Where: Camperdown Commons, 31A Mallett Street, Camperdown
Hours: Wednesday – Friday 12pm – 11pm, Saturday 8am – 11pm, Sunday 8am – 4pm