When you arrive at Bird in Hand Winery in Woodside, Adelaide Hills, the stunning grounds are worth the journey themselves, before you even enjoy a sip of wine or take your seat at the property’s newly opened restaurant, LVN.
Walking from the carpark through the stunning gardens to the restaurant, a sense of calm washed over me. It was a sunny Monday afternoon, and the winery was busy enough to feel vibrant, but serene enough not to disturb my peaceful state, setting the tone for what was to come – a perfectly balanced sensory experience.
LVN restaurant is tucked away behind the Bird in Hand cellar door, past the insta-famous dreamy wooden doors, and surrounded by greenery and stunning colourful blooms. With the iconic Bird in Hand silos standing tall in the background, we made our way through glass doors into the fresh new dining concept, helmed by Executive Chef Jacob Davey.
Artful Encounters: Design & Décor
On arrival into the space art takes centre stage, with Bird in Hand owners Susie and Andrew Nugent’s passion for art infused into every corner, featuring a collection of striking works that immediately catch your eye. Grand, bold paintings are complemented by carefully placed sculptures, creating an ambiance where creativity meets elegance.
The art selection was a collaborative project between Susie and longtime collaborator, Georgie Shepherd, founder of Georgie Shepherd Interior Design. Many of the pieces were sourced from South Australia’s Hugo Michell Gallery, showcasing works by talents like Wanambi, Ildiko Kovacs, Idowu Oluwaseun, and Georgia Spain.
Even the interiors are a celebration of artistry. Georgie notes that local artisans played a vital role in crafting the Venetian plaster walls, custom-designed joinery, furniture, and lighting. Every detail feels considered, from the buttery softness of the leather menus to the intricately carved chair legs. Every element invites you to pause and appreciate the craftsmanship.
For drinks we started with a glass of Bird in Hand Sparkling, this was after all a celebration, our first lunch out together sans-child in months. Clean & vibrant, with strawberry flavours lifted by a hint of florals, the blush colour of the sparkling matched the artworks behind us.
As we sipped, we took a moment to bask in the views out to the terrace, commenting we felt like we were in the Mediterranean somewhere. The restaurant’s design encourages intimacy – with the generously spaced tables offering a sense of privacy, you’re able to imagine you’re dining in the comfort of your own (very beautiful) home, overlooking the terrace of your dreams.
A Culinary Journey: The Dining Experience
It’s a setting that invites you to linger, and linger we did, especially once the food arrived. Weeks later, we’re still talking about the experience – a testament to the lasting impression it made.
Chef Jacob’s ability to tell a story through his creations with visuals, texture and flavour, is truly impressive, and we were blown away by the complexities of each individual dish presented to us.
The set menu we enjoyed was both extensive and imaginative. It began with a delicate wallaby tart, followed by seafood starters that ranged from abalone to pearl meat and oysters, before progressing to heavier dishes including lamb and duck.
To finish, we were presented with five (yes, five) different dessert dishes, one served on a bed of smoked she-oak and topped with salted caramel that still makes my moth water when I think of it. My partner, mid-bite, leaned over and whispered, “This guy is a freak” – spoken with the highest compliments, of course.
Bird in Hand’s commitment to seasonal and native ingredients shines through every dish, featuring seasonal native ingredients from their three properties at Woodside, the Finniss River on the lower lakes of South Australia, and Seymour on the east coast of Tasmania.
Dining at LVN is more than just a meal. it’s an immersive experience that celebrates artistry, nature, and culinary innovation.
Located at 150 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside, South Australia, LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand is open from 12pm to 4.30pm, every Thursday to Sunday.
The author of this article was hosted by LVN at Bird in Hand for a complimentary dining experience. All opinions expressed are based on the author’s personal experience.
