It’s no surprise to many that the last couple of years have been tough, and restauranteurs and chefs didn’t – and couldn’t – escape the perils of lockdowns and subsequent staffing issues.
The Woodhouse was listed for sale, hoping to entice a tree-changing chef to take a regional escape. In the meantime, chef & owner Paul Pitcher started discussions with his long-time childhood friend Tony Panetta…
…now The Woodhouse is off the market and the wood-fires will be re-ignited with new enthusiasm and the combined talents of both long-time Executive Chefs.
After decades in the city, Tony returns to Bendigo with his young family, after stints as Executive Chef at ICC Sydney and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and more recently heading up the new and improved Continental aka The Conti in Sorrento alongside Scott Pickett.
The Woodhouse has evolved a lot over the last ten years, and are excited about this next step; working together now.
Although we’ve known each other since we were 12, and have supported each other since then, in 2019, we went to a trade show in Chicago for four days, then spent the rest of the month dining at the best restaurants and bars in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. This really planted the seed to create something great together, and to combine our talents.
The Woodhouse has an exciting new menu, featuring new produce from Victor Churchill and Black Onyx Angus, as well as Woodhouse favourites Sher Wagyu, O’Conner Beef, Roaring Forties lamb, McIvor Park pork and always, fresh local produce from Central Victoria.
The restaurant will soon be open seven days, plugging an empty chasm for tourists to the region, and a local offering of a long lazy Sunday lunches for friends and family, as well as a Monday evening service, which at the moment is virtually non-existent in Bendigo.
The beverage list continues to feature, the best local wines and craft beers, as well as some exceptional choices from across the seas.
Paul and Tony look forward to welcoming you to The Woodhouse.
Come and join us; we’ll look after you.
