Review: Lovedale Smokehouse – Hunter Valley

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Lovedale Smokehouse is a gorgeous little smokehouse that is about a 15 minute drive from Cessnock and about a 20 minute drive from Pokolbin where all the famous Hunter Valley wineries are.

Related: Best Insta-Worthy Hunter Valley Wineries to Visit | Audrey Wilkinson

I love the slow pace of life once you get out of the city. The views that this smokehouse cafe boasts is beautiful and quiet. Established in 2006, Lovedale Smokehouse is one of the longest running cafes in the Hunter Valley vineyards. They are more famous for their charcuterie and Low ‘n Slow barbecue. 

We ended up going for Low and slow hickory smoked baby back pork ribs, beer battered fries and house made bbq sauce which is one of their signature dishes. The BBQ ribs were really smokey and fell right off the bone.

The smokehouse sausages, smoked chorizo sausage and smoked cheese kransky, were also really lovely. The smoked honey mustard slaw was a great addition for the ribs, sausage and chips. We also ordered the charcuterie board known as the Gourmet selection. It consisted of handmade duck and orange pâté, dry cured and air dried prosciutto, double cream brie, beechwood smoked salami, smoked olives, red onion jam, crackers and sourdough. It wasn’t the most amazing deli selection I’ve ever eaten but it was still lovely. I also realised how much I like pâté – I know it’s an acquired taste and it’s not for everybody. I for one hate olives.

One thing I will note is they currently will only serve with single-use cutlery which may disappoint you if you’re looking for a gourmet experience. However, it’s a lovely casual lunch with friends off the main road and worth a visit if you’re ever thinking of lunch in the Hunter Valley.

After a nice smokey lunch, head for dessert at Sabor Dessert Bar a short 10 minute drive away.

Related: Review: Sabor Dessert Bar – Hunter Valley