Bells at Killcare, the magnificent 5-star boutique resort on the NSW Central Coast has unveiled a new look this summer. The popular dining destination has been given a new direction and renamed ‘the wild flower bar and dining’ with new menus and restaurant interiors to complete the new look. Overseeing the changes in Sean Connolly, of Bon Pavilion – a joint venture between the Bells at Killcare owners and Connolly, so essentially already part of the ‘culinary family’.
Sean, alongside his right-hand man, Tony Gibson, will refresh the menu and dining experience, broadening the restaurant’s Italian dining style to a modern-European approach with the same focus on quality food and service, though in a casually-chic setting with a little “theatre” adding to the energy of the dining space.
Bells’ dining room style will transition toward a casually-luxe aesthetic that complements its location - an exclusive oasis surrounded by the Bouddi National Park and the region’s vast coastal waterways.
Owners, Karina and Brian Barry, engaged former Sydney media and image consultant, Mark Patrick, to oversee the design vision. The ‘Bouddi by the sea’ inspiration will include specially commissioned Kate Swinton wallpaper and screen-print cushions, with Kate renowned for her signature fine-art native landscape etchings. Many celebrated local artisans will also be incorporated to the setting, including ceramicist, Lisa Sanasi, artist Leah Bennetts and artist and weaver, Lee Cavendar, whose bespoke bell-shaped light fittings will adorn the dining room made from local Killcare grasses.
“I have long been a fan of Bells at Killcare – it’s this beautifully Australian location surrounded by national park, beaches and waterways filled with high-quality seafood. And as a romantic at heart, I’m always searching for the perfect dining experience,” said Chef Sean Connolly. “Bells is the complete package. The juxtaposition of its natural location, though within a refined, luxurious boutique resort environment – the atmosphere lends itself to this beautifully uncomplicated, natural sophistication. So this has to be reflected in the menu.”
“We are going to unearth some of the incredible seafood from our local Hardy’s Bay fisherman. We’re also going to inject a little more life to the dining experience; the sights and sounds of a buzzing dining room will welcome diners, and we’ll be creating more theatre on the floor with trolley service and table-side cooking including salt-crusted fish cracked right there on the table and pasta tossed fresh in front of your very eyes – this is the life that we want to see at Bells, so the experience continues to evolve in the warm, friendly, local and engaging manner that it has built its reputation,” continued Sean.
“Bells is committed to delivering a first-class experience for our guests, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have Sean Connolly join the team as the second business venture we are working on together, with the opening of The Bon Pavilion in Gosford earlier this year,” said Karina Barry, owner of Bells at Killcare. “We truly love working with Sean and were spurred by his creative vision for the Bells dining space, in taking our diners on a reinvigorated culinary journey.”
Located at the heart of the hotel, the wild flower bar and dining commands a prominent position in the Manor House with its elegant dining room, bar, private dining room, alfresco enclosed balcony overlooking the immaculate gardens and The Conservatory, a purpose-built event space capable of holding large scale events of up to 220 people for a cocktail function.
The restaurant will continue to employ sustainable practices with more than 15% of the produce on its menu supplied from the 500 square metre kitchen garden on the grounds, with orchid, bee-hives and free range hens.
Bells has been at the forefront of destination dining in Australia since launching in 2007, evolving its accommodation, spa and dining offerings over the years to excite and delight its guests. Book your escape to luxury at Bells at Killcare with alluxia.
