Mount Lofty House opens its new outdoor Terrace Bar with sweeping Piccadilly Valley views

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With warmer days arriving in the Adelaide Hills, one of the region’s most picturesque spots for afternoon drinks has officially reopened, bringing cocktails, delicious bites and live music to a historic estate overlooking the Piccadilly Valley.

Mount Lofty House Adults Retreat has welcomed back its outdoor Terrace Bar for spring and summer, with the seasonal opening taking place on Thursday 29 October.

Set amongst the estate’s heritage gardens, overlooking the swimming pool and sweeping valley beyond, the terrace offers a relaxed setting for everything from afternoon catch-ups to pre-dinner drinks.

The bar’s return also continues a tradition stretching back more than 170 years, when prominent South Australian statesman Arthur Hardy built Mount Lofty House as a summer escape from Adelaide’s heat in 1852.

Today, guests can settle in for a leisurely afternoon with a seasonal cocktail menu, including the signature Sour Cherry Spritz, alongside local wines and a selection of light bites.

On the food menu, Coffin Bay oysters with classic mignonette are joined by truffle polenta bites with caper aioli, while charcuterie served with focaccia, pickles and smoked almonds offers something to share over a drink.

The Terrace Bar is open Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 5.30pm, with regular live music on weekends adding to the summer atmosphere.

Beyond the terrace, Mount Lofty House is also making the most of its spectacular gardens, with an intimate High Tea experience available beneath the estate’s towering sequoia tree.

A private, climate-controlled garden dome provides a secluded setting for couples and small groups, with a menu featuring savoury and sweet treats, including smoked chicken and corn custard scrolls and freshly baked buttermilk scones.

High Tea is available seven days a week at 12pm, with additional weekend sittings at 2pm, priced at $109 per person including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Private garden dome bookings are available by enquiry, with separate pricing.

For those planning a special evening out, the estate’s celebrated Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant has also introduced a refreshed degustation menu from Head Chef Alessandro Mangione, recently named Chef of the Year in the Accommodation Division at the 2026 AHA SA Awards.

The new menu celebrates seasonal produce through dishes including Wollongong Royal Red Prawn with nasturtium flower, tomato consommé and magnolia, Western Australian marron served in a milk skin taco with marron coral mole and lemon myrtle, and aged Myee quail with native Australian ingredients.

Looking towards the festive season, the estate has also announced its Christmas and New Year’s Eve dining experiences.

South Australian-owned Mount Lofty Estate will host two Christmas Day celebrations, including a five-course lunch at Piccadilly Panorama overlooking the valley. Guests can expect a festive menu featuring South Australian king prawns, crispy porchetta, roasted turkey and traditional desserts.

The lunch is priced at $429 per adult, with children’s options available, and sittings at 12pm and 1pm.

Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant will offer a six-course Christmas degustation with matched wines selected by sommelier Maxime Martin, who received the Michelin Sommelier Award in October. Prices start at $649 per person for semi-private seating.

The restaurant will also host a New Year’s Eve experience, beginning with oysters and snacks on the lawns and terrace before guests move inside for a six-course degustation dinner with wine pairings.

Mount Lofty Estate owner David Horbelt said the summer program brings together a range of experiences for visitors.

“All of our offerings bring a luxurious touch to end-of-year celebrations while sharing in the beautiful surroundings of the Adelaide Hills.”

Whether it’s a spritz in the afternoon sunshine, a weekend High Tea or a special occasion dinner, the historic Hills estate is welcoming the warmer months with plenty of reasons to visit.