Where will you be this Valentines day?

Valentine's Day is the worlds biggest celebration of romance and romantic love.

Embrace the romance this year and spend the night out with someone special!

Put down your phones... look at one another, talk about life and love and all the things in between.

Our team at The Old Vic Inn are encouraging you to book a special table for two.

leave your phones at home... and allow us to set the scene for you and your lover.

With us, you can enjoy a stunning candle lit dinner with romantic quiet background music, a delicious 3 course meal, great company and some of our beautiful local wines!

We hope we can spoil you, and make your night really special.

CALL NOW TO DISCUSS OUR VALENTINES DAY MENU

3 COURSE DINNER $45 per person

BOOK NOW (02) 6344 1009

WOW! What an epic 5 weeks it has been! We have served a few hundred pasta dishes over the last 5 Thursday evenings during our, 'Thursday Night is Pasta night @ The Old Vic inn' event!

We want to stop, appreciate and thank each and every one of you, who booked in and enjoyed a very filling Pasta night with us. We have thoroughly enjoyed the company and enjoyed bringing a new menu to town for something different! The feedback after each night has been amazing and we really look forward to switching it up again with our next menu.

Stay tuned..... Mexican is on the way!!

Thanks,

The Team @ The Old Vic Inn

The dates for the 2020 balloon festival have been confirmed. The festival is running from Saturday 15th of April until Sunday 20th April 2020.

CALL DIRECT and book with us NOW (02) 6344 1009

OUR JANUARY SPECIAL

If you haven't already, you need to come over to Gaskill Street , Canowindra and get involved in our Pasta night every Thursday night! It's a cracker night out and you are guaranteed to leave with a VERY full tummy! With only 2 more Thursdays left of January, call us now and book your table.

Tables book out fast: (02) 6344 1009

REMAINING PASTA DATES: 23rd & 30th January ONLY

Spring is undoubtedly the perfect time of year to visit Canowindra. The countryside comes alive in a riot of colour with golden canola patchworked amongst the deep green of flourishing oats, barley, wheat and lucerne crops.

The trees are budding up and bursting into early flower as if decorating the town and preparing for a busy couple of months ahead. The locals are also emerging from their winter hibernation and are ready to put on a good show of Spring Events so grab your diary, plan your visit and prepare to be impressed!

Canowindra Show

Showground Rodd St

Friday 22nd - Saturday 23rd September

The Canowindra show is a great example of a good old fashioned agricultural show. Still popular with participants and visitors alike, the entire town young and old get behind the event entering everything from the arts, crafts and cooking to the horse and sheep events.

This year will include a Jackeroo and Jilleroo competition, crop comp, prime sheep judging, show jumping and hack, Australian stock horse events, poultry, showgirl and junior showgirl competitions.

The tractor pull competition will return on the Saturday along with the vintage vehicles and tractors. Stay up-to-date by liking the Facebook page.

Sakura Matsuri, Cherry Blossom Festival

Cowra Japanese Gardens

Saturday 23rd September

Sakura Matsuri is a major event on Cowra’s tourism calendar, celebrating the birth of Spring. It attracts performers from across Australia and around the world. Experience traditional elements of Japanese culture amongst the spectacular Spring display of cherry blossoms.

Features planned for this year’s event include - Shibori Indigo, Tea Ceremony and Bonsai Demonstrations, Torsion, Taiko Drummers, Shakuhachi, Tai Chi, Japanese Dance and Sakura choir (TBC), Karate, Aikido and Sumo Wrestling.

Don’t forget to check out what is on offer at the market stalls or watch a demonstration on raking a (karesansui) or "dry landscape" Zen garden or maybe give it a go yourself.

Canowindra BaroqueFest Music Festival

Canowindra Multiple Locations

Friday 13th - Sunday 15th October

Canowindra – where historic music and celebrated performers meet in the heart of the Central West.

Canowindra has become a regional hub for live classical music performance since the 1990s when David Miller AM from Sydney Conservatorium of Music first agreed to bring a group of talented students to play and sing at the acoustically sublime All Saints Church.

Baroquefest 2017 will feature artists such as The Song Co

mpany, Rachael Beesley (Baroque violinist), the Limestone Consort and The Academy Singers.

Twilight Markets at Canowindra Memorial Park

Gaskill St Canowindra

Saturday 21st October

Canowindra@home's family friendly Twilight Market is a great opportunity to get amongst the locals and sample the regional food and wine. Enjoy a relaxing evening with good food, and wine whilst listening to some local musical talent from 4-7pm.

Canowindra@home is a group of local food enthusiasts who enjoy participating and enhancing the culinary and wine scene in this unique village.

The Long Table Lunch

‘Boridgeree’ Canowindra

Saturday 21st October

Canowindra Pre-school Kindergarten Inc. invites you to The Long Table Lunch to be held on Saturday 21st October, 2017 from 12.30pm at ‘Boridgeree’ Fish Fossil Drive, Canowindra. We hope you can join us in Spring Cocktail for an afternoon sharing in delightful company, beautiful surrounds, delicious food and fun.

Tickets are $75.00 (inclusive of bus, food and entertainment). There will be a cash bar serving beer, cider, champagne and wine. Bus collection will be from the Age of Fishes Museum at 12pm and returning 5pm. RSVP: Tuesday 10th October, 2017

Windowrie Long Lunch

Windowrie Vineyard, Windowrie Rd, Canowindra

Saturday 28th October

Enjoy a Greek inspired long lunch and award winning wine at the Windowrie Vineyard. Relax and enjoy the alfresco setting of the gardens and homestead from 12:30pm. Tickets are $135/person (all inclusive). Limited places are available for this highly popular event.

Cowra Fields of Gold Canola Tours

Saturdays and Sundays (10am-12noon)

Throughout September/October

Take a guided tour of Cowra's Canola region including commentary on Canola history and facts. The tour includes a Cowra Historical Town Tour, photo opportunities at Canola 'hot spots', take home Canola 'goody bag', complimentary morning tea, viewing of the famous POW Hologram at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre and complimentary tasting of Cowra Region Wine at the Visitor Centre. This is good value at $40/person.

Cowra Wine and Forage Tour

Enjoy the full Cowra and Canowindra experience with a chauffeured tour of local scenery, wines, produce and history. As you travel through the scenic wine region, stop at local wineries, producers and sample more than 25 tastings ranging from olives, figs, cheese, and of course - wine. This small group tour is limited to 24 people to provide a more personalised experience. Enjoy a light lunch and information session with wine growers and producers on this 4.5 hour tour within the Cowra Wine Region.

Golfing Canowindra in Style

Mild to warm days with fresh mornings and cool evenings. It’s the best of both worlds. Enjoy the renewing energy of the sun during a Spring jaunt on Canowindra’s excellent golf course by day and snuggle up with a nice drop of local wine of an evening. Stay two nights at The Old Vic Inn with two rounds of golf and golf kart hire (subject to availability). Enjoy dinner one night at the Canowindra Golf Club – probably the best Chinese Restaurant around! Experience an al a carte taste of the Region with dinner at The Old Vic Inn on the alternate night.

Make the Old Vic Inn your comfortable accommodation base when organising your Superb Canowindra Spring Stay. To find out more about our Accommodation call us on 02 6344 1009.

Forget navigating snowy roads and slippery pavements, Canowindra is the place to do a Wintery Christmas! Don’t miss out on the Old Vic Inn’s Christmas in July celebrations planned for Saturday 8 and 22 July.

There is something magic about the full hot Christmas dinner!

I don’t think many would disagree that a hot Christmas meal on a cold Wintery eve is very appealing. Our Christmas in July banquets will include nibbles, banquet style traditional Christmas fare and of course Christmas Pudding.

The origins of Christmas in July

People often ask what Christmas in July is all about and why should we celebrate it? It is a hotly debated topic. There are many theories.

Is it a nod to our heritage and the traditional celebration of a Winter British and European Christmas?

Is it an invention of Hollywood?

Is it simply a commercialised marketing campaign designed to boost July spending?

Is it the work of manic Christmas enthusiasts out of control? Don’t laugh these people exist and even have their own Facebook page. Their tag line is ‘We'll bring you Christmas Cheer all throughout the year’.

Some believe the earliest known occasion to mark the phrase ‘Christmas in July’ was in 1933 at Camp Keystone, a girl's summer camp in North Carolina where they went all out with a Christmas themed celebration.

The term gained greater ground with the release of the Hollywood movie comedy ‘Christmas in July’ in 1940 and then grew legs with a church, the postal service and the U.S Army and Navy conducting celebrations into the 1940’s.

It’s believed marketing grabbed hold of the concept around 1950 in America, but it is not thought to have taken hold in Europe until the 1980’s when it began as bid to celebrate Christmas in Summer.

It is also thought Christmas in July may have been started in the Southern Hemisphere around the same time by some Irish tourists who were travelling in the Blue Mountains. Overjoyed with the sight of snow, they apparently convinced a local hotel to hold a “Yulefest” party to celebrate.

The phrase 'Christmas in July' is now also found in other countries in the southern hemisphere like New Zealand and South Africa.

Gather your tribe and book a table NOW!

Whatever your beliefs, it is undoubtedly a great idea to gather your family or your chosen tribe of friends in the warmth for a few drinks, some great food and good company. Any excuse for a celebration is a good excuse!

Get in quick and reserve your table of eight for $45 a head. Book a cosy room to stay and you won’t even have to leave the warmth of the building!

Bookings are essential - call 02 6344 1009. Vegetarian and gluten free choices are available – please ask when booking.

Check out our Winter Preview!

As the last of our mild Autumn days conclude, the magnificent Canowindra countryside has finished off what has been a spectacular display of colour.

Autumn leaves and sun filled days are making way for crisp frosty mornings with the landscape covered in a blanket of magnificent white.

Now is the time to get your camera out and capture the dramatic fog and plays of light through Wintery trees or the bright blue sky fading through to the best sunsets you will see.

It’s never too soon to throw yourself into the Season and plan some warming nights out or that Winter country escape you have been craving.

The Old Vic Inn is renowned for authentic country atmosphere, exceptionally comfortable accommodation and delicious themed dinner nights. This Winter’s line-up is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

The Old Vic Inn events have proven highly popular for locals and are a great drawcard for visitors looking for a taste of the region. Why not book your weekend away to include a themed night and enjoy one of the many package deals or create your own itinerary with lots to see and do during one of our most magical seasons!

Warm yourself with our Winter Pasta Night!

We are kicking off Winter in style with a Pasta Night on Friday 2 June. The meals are exceptional value with a range of delicious pastas available for just $16.

Delight in our bountiful Beef and Burgundy Dinner!

A Beef and Burgundy night will be held on Saturday 17 June. This is sure to be a great night out at $25 a head and includes a warming glass of red.

Celebrate Christmas in July Canowindra style!

Forget navigating snowy roads and slippery pavements, Canowindra is the place to do a Wintery Christmas! Don’t miss out on our Christmas in July celebrations planned for Saturday 8 July and 22 July.

Christmas banquets will include nibbles, banquet style traditional Christmas fare and of course Christmas Pudding. Get a table of eight together at $45 a head. Book a cosy room to stay and you won’t even have to leave the warmth of the building!

Get Out and About with Winter Country Golfing!

Why not bring the clubs along on the road trip and hit the golf course? Canowindra boasts a great course – easy to navigate and a pleasure to be on in all seasons.

Check out our Country Golfing Package. Experience golfing country style at one of the best courses in the area.

Stay two nights at The Old Vic Inn with two rounds of golf and golf kart hire (subject to availability). Enjoy dinner one night at the Canowindra Golf Club – probably the best Chinese Restaurant around! Experience an al a carte taste of the Region with dinner at The Old Vic Inn on the alternate night.

Tis the Season for Food and Wine!

Taste true country hospitality with our Food and Wine Package. Enjoy two nights’ accommodation and dining at The Old Vic Inn. Start off on the right note with champagne on arrival, followed by an award winning white wine with a three course a la carte meal in The Old Vic Inn Restaurant.

Follow the evening up with a full bodied local red wine. The alternate evening can be spent sampling another local bottle of white and a red along with a regional platter of lamb, olives, organic vegies, beef and cheese.

Lift Your Winter Spirits with Canowindra’s Speciality – Ballooning!

By far one of the most amazing things you can do in the region is sample it from above. Canowindra is renowned for perfect conditions for hot air ballooning.

Enjoy our Up, Up and Away Ballooning Package - an amazing weekend escape with dinner and accommodation at The Old Vic Inn and an hour joy flight over the beautiful Canowindra Valley with Balloon Joy Flights. Cap your visit off with the customary post flight champagne breakfast at Toms Waterhole Winery.

Explore the tourism, arts and niche retail destination at your own pace!

Canowindra's Old Vic Inn provides the perfect base to explore the region's ample attractions...meander through the engaging township...taste the abundant country hospitality...or just sit back on the veranda and drink in the charm!

Canowindra has emerged as a tourism destination, but has still maintained a charmingly friendly small-town atmosphere. The town is well known for art galleries, ballooning, and the Age of Fishes Museum. The historical main street features an unusual bent shape and late nineteenth century architecture.

The town features a collection of one of a kind shopping and dining experiences and is well known for authentic country pubs, music, niche fashion and homewares. Canowindra also has a colourful bushranger and agricultural heritage to explore along with breathtaking natural landscape and national parks.

The Events Calendar for the Region is jam packed with festivals, markets, sporting and cultural events celebrating everything the area has to offer.

Tour the surrounding attractions and villages yourself or in a guided tour!

Do a village drive and discover the local gems – cafes, country pubs, quaint and quirky shops, art galleries. Use this link to discover the local village riches!

If food and wine are your thing – take a day to drive the country roads and enjoy the fruits of the land yourself with a self-drive food and wine tour or take the opportunity to be chauffeur driven on a guided tour such as the Cowra Wine and Forage Tour.

There are also a range of other interesting tours available throughout the region like the quirky Blind Freddy Bushranger Tours. Ask us when you call to make a booking and we can help you plan your visit.

Mother’s Day - the only day dedicated to the hard working, caring, loving, nurturing people in our lives that do so much for us each and every day.

They are the givers of the family and deserve to be celebrated in style this Sunday with a delicious lunch at Canowindra’s Old Vic Inn specifically designed for them.

The three-course menu has been hand-picked to complement the season with three choices available for each course.

Start your outing off with a glass of bubbles before choosing from salt and pepper squid served with a homemade chilli and basil aioli, asparagus with creamed cheese wrapped in bread and bacon, or delightful homemade individual country chicken pie.

The selection for main courses brings together the best produce on offer. Choose from chicken, barramundi or pork fillet.

A house speciality, chicken involtini features a chicken breast wrapped in pancetta seasoned with garlic, oregano, roasted capsicum and parsley served with our favourite mash and seasonal vegetables.

If fish is your favoured choice, look forward to the magnificent Spanish crusted Cone Bay barramundi featuring a homemade bread, pinenut, lemon zest, parsley, and olive oil crusting served with a garden salad and our delicious chips.

Pork is also a popular choice for mains. The herb and lemon crusted pork fillet served with seasonal vegetables and crunchy potatoes is sure to impress this Sunday.

It is always advised to save some room for dessert when dining at the Old Vic Inn especially on Mother’s Day! Choose from chocolate lava pudding, passionfruit cheesecake, or an amazing lemon tart served with lashings of cream or ice-cream.

If that has got your mouth watering, make sure you get in quick! This is great value at $45/head and worth much more in brownie points with Mum.

Bookings are essential - call 02 6344 1009. Vegetarian and gluten free choices are available – please ask when booking.

Autumn is the perfect weather for Canowindra’s favourite pastime of ballooning and it also happens to be ideal for outdoor entertaining. The Old Vic Inn has put the two together to come up with the perfect night out - a three course set menu event ‘Dinner on the Balcony’ on Thursday, 20th April.

Take in the ambiance and bustling energy of Canowindra from above during our favourite week of the year while you enjoy spicy pumpkin soup with a crusty bread roll followed by bocconcini, sundried tomato and basil stuffed chicken breast. Make sure you leave enough room for the star of the line-up - Brandy Alexander Pie!

A magnificent heritage listed building located in the picturesque historic main street, the Old Vic Inn is a destination within itself.

The family run Inn features old world charm, ensuite rooms, lounge areas, dining and bar facilities providing the perfect venue for family getaways, conferences, weekends away and special occasions.

The Old Vic Inn has become a central hub for the growing local arts scene. While you are heading up to the ‘Dinner on the Balcony’ take a moment to enjoy the dedicated art space playing host to the work of local artists. We are committed to and passionate about showcasing local artists and have fostered many since opening our doors in 2003.

Get in quick – this is great value at $35/head. An event not to be missed! Bookings are essential call 02 6344 1009.

The observance of not eating meat on Good Friday is still an important part of Easter for many, but it can often be difficult to navigate with a house full of family and friends. What a good excuse for an evening off kitchen duties and the Old Vic Inn’s Easter Seafood Extravaganza! Picture platters of hot and cold seafood, free-flowing local wine and lovely cold beers on tap. Also picture not having to shell seafood or make sure you don’t dry out the fish. Most importantly, picture sitting back and enjoying the start to the Easter Weekend without a hassle in the world. If you fancy some more time off the catering over the Easter Weekend, the Old Vic Inn is the perfect spot for families and groups. With plenty of room,they can cater to any size group. Set in the well-known food basked of Australia, the Old Vic Inn’s a la carte menu incorporates seasonal local produce from the Canowindra and Orange Region. The menu includes all the best local beef, lamb and other fresh produce the area offers. Our lunch menu includes a variety of seafood dishes, scotch fillet, and other Australian favourites. Our dinner menu includes several delicious dishes with a difference including garlic or chilli prawns for entree, Thai green-lip mussels, or chargrilled quail. We also feature the traditional choices such as filleted lamb rump, Atlantic salmon and fillet mignon. We have a range of desserts, differing each evening. Take the opportunity to chat to your host and have a good look at the amazing blackboard specials for sweet inspiration. The region is also known for its selection of famous, award-winning wines. Being fully-licenced, the Old Vic Inn’s wine list features the top picks from the area. The drinks list also includes a selection of beer and cider, and other non-alcoholic beverages. The Old Vic Inn is proudly family-friendly, with a Kid’s Menu available for both lunch and dinner. The Kid’s Menu includes a selection of meals including chicken schnitzel, nuggets, fish cocktails, and other meals they will be sure to love! We invite you to bring your family or friends along to the Old Vic Inn this Easter and enjoy either lunch or dinner in our magnificent, heritage listed building located in the picturesque historic main street of Canowindra. The licensed restaurant is open to both house guests and the public for lunch Thursday to Sunday from 10am-3pm and for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6.30 onwards. Please note - options other than seafood will also be able available on Good Friday.

Like most small towns, Canowindra has played the backdrop to many a love story turned legend. If only the walls could talk at the Old Vic Inn, I am sure the love trysts, triangles and losses shared within the old building would make for epic recounts round the newly refurbished bar.

One such Old Vic love story is about a young couple who were dating – Clarrie and Kit. Clarrie decided to take Kit for a quick drink at the Victoria Hotel on their way to a ball.

Kit’s parents strictly forbade going to pubs, but like many young couples, their minds were on each other and not on their parents. Unfortunately, they stayed too long and the police came along to see that the rule of 6 o’clock closing was enforced.

Scared that they would be caught Clarrie helped Kit (ballgown and all) escape through a side window in the ladies’ lounge. They narrowly escaped and dashed across fields and later attended the Ball as though nothing had happened at all.

The infamous escape window is now boarded up and is part of The Old Vic Inn’s Art Gallery. Next time you are in for a cold one or a great meal don’t forget to ask Alison and Graeme Beasley or their daughter Jennifer about other great Old Vic stories.