The Commercial Boutique Hotel Tenterfield NSW - Review

"Time is a traveller, Tenterfield Saddler"...I bet you were singing those words if you are an Aussie. Peter Allen's classic tribute to the saddler (his grandfather) still rings in my head, as it would for lots of us who grew up with that song.  You can still visit the saddler's shop in Tenterfield, country New South Wales if you feel so inclined.   We didn't do that, but we did drop in at The Commercial Boutique Hotel which has been lovingly restored by a former Brisbane couple.  They now offer boutique accommodation and a warm pub with a fireplace, and tasty food.

Mr P. and I were on our annual pilgrimage to Stanthorpe and Tenterfield in search of some cold weather.  This we got in plenty as an Antarctic low was heading our way!  We had brought plenty of woollens so were rugged up like mummies in triple layers and double scarves.  Mr P. is very good with building fires so our little cottage was warm and toasty of an evening.  Let's not mention the multiple electric heaters we brought with us just in case the fire wasn't adequate for our needs.  We even managed to trip the circuit-breaker once 3 heaters, the TV and 2 laptops were switched on:)

We headed to Tenterfield for lunch the next day.  It was a lovely sunny but freezing day so the pub with the fireplace was calling.  Mr P. and I were both recovering from nasty colds, but I still felt the need for a nice glass of wine.  Mr P. being the responsible driver he is, and not much of a drinker, chose a soft drink.

lovely decor and a warm fireplace  

cold crisp glass of Rose - I know! strange for a cold day but it was delicious $8 

ginger beer $3.50 

Mr P. decided to go with the special of the day - home made fettucine with smoked chicken and mushroom, while I had salt and pepper squid.  Oh and of course we had fries:)  I asked for aioli rather than the tomato sauce they usually came with, which was no problem.  Hubby said his pasta was really delicious but perhaps just a tad too much pasta and not enough sauce.  He would have liked a wee bit more sauciness with the chicken and mushroom topping.  My squid was well-cooked; the coating was spicy and very tasty. I really enjoyed it!  Fries - well what can you say about fries?  They are always a fave with me, and we enjoyed these delicious morsels.  And the warmed plates were a lovely touch on a cold day.  (Thank goodness, no trendy wooden boards used as plates.)

salt and pepper squid $16   

fettucine with smoked chicken and mushrooms $25.50    

fries with aioli $6.50  

The hotel also has a tapas menu and has live music events.  There are 8 luxury rooms for accommodation; one with disabled access - and there is also the possibility of bringing your dog!  We had a nice chat with the lady owner, who told us that the hotel was now happily staffed by family.   We had a really pleasant time, and just wished we had thought to stay overnight but our cottage in Stanthorpe was calling.  Back we went via Wallangarra and the old railway station for a cup of hot chocolate. Then home to light the fire, rug up and drink champagne.  Well, good old Grant Burge sparkling anyway.

Mr P. holding up the wall

historical horse trough outside the hotel   

the lovely curvy Art Deco exterior of the hotel   

(Just a bit of a heads up; they no longer serve breakfast as it wasn't viable, the nice lady owner informed us).