If you needed another excuse to pack up the car and head to the Sunshine Coast, consider this it. Local owners of The Falls Farm in Mapleton, Ben Johnston and Jess Huddart, have purchased the 113-year-old Mapleton Tavern, and are currently transforming the venue into a paddock-to-plate paradise. Renamed as Mapleton Public House, the landmark pub will develop its new offering in stages, including works that are set to restore the pub to its former glory. The transformation will also include a menu refresh with help from former Spicers executive chef Cameron Matthews, who is on board as Mapleton Public House’s executive chef. The fresh dining experience will initially operate as a pop-up for several months, where hungry folk can come to dine and reconnect with freshly harvested, seasonal produce.

With a paddock-to-plate approach front of mind for the dedicated culinary team, the offering will spotlight The Falls Farm’s highly acclaimed regenerative produce, which has been used in restaurants including Elska,  ESSA, Gerard’s Bar and Agnes. The dining destination will still plate up a selection of pub fare, but an ever-changing season menu will showcase The Falls Farm produce and other local and ethical producers. The team will partner with local brewers and makers for its drinks menu, which will continue to spotlight seasonal ingredients. Mapleton Public House will also be home to a local-focussed bottle shop that will sling independent beer, wine and spirits, as well as a private dining space for meetings, events and functions.

Planning a roadtrip north? To learn more, head to the Mapleton Public House website.

Image credit: Stories by Ash