By: Vivienne Pearson
You have no doubt walked past before braving one of Mullumbimy’s famous pedestrian crossings. You may have appreciated the protection from the sun and rain that the bull-nosed verandah provides.
But have you gone inside to check out the Court House Hotel’s restaurant?
Located on the corner of the two main Mullum streets (Burringbar and Dalley), the Courthouse Restaurant is relaxed and stylish, with a black and wood colour scheme. Though it can seat up to 120 people, the Courthouse avoids the cavernous feel of many newer pub-based eateries.
The restaurant is owned and staffed by two chefs, Mick and Pete. Don’t worry if you get them confused; many people do and they’ll politely answer to either name! The pair was introduced by their wives, who are friends from Main Arm. ‘We are both 10-year blow-ins from Queensland’, laughs Mick, adding that they now feel like locals.
After cheffing and maître d’ing for others, including Steven Snow at Fins in Kingscliff, they took over the Courthouse nearly three years ago. Says Mick of the beginning; ‘We’re not rich, we didn’t come into this with money, so we’ve built it up through our drive, passion and hard work.’
This hard work shows. The regular menu includes hand-made goat cheese, sundried tomato and caramelised onion tortellini. Each piece is hand-crafted by Pete. Their beef and Guinness pies are also made from scratch. ‘We use good produce’, says Mick. ‘Our vegetarian meals, in particular, are more than what you’d expect of a pub’.
The regular menu came together over the first two years and is supplemented by specials. One current offering, a twice-cooked pork, is proving so popular that it looks destined to make a crossover to the set menu.
The building was never an actual courthouse but was named because it is diagonally opposite the Mullum courthouse, and because the original building used timber from the old Brunswick Heads courthouse.
The restaurant is known for its consistent high standards and short waiting times. Once you are savouring dessert, don’t forget to look up at the stunning paintings by local artist Hayley Gale.
If you need any further motivation to try the Courthouse Restaurant, check them out during the Mullumbimby Music Festival (19–22 Nov). Mick and Pete will be running a Mexican Cantina to fuel your musical weekend and they are an official music venue (hosting the likes of The Button Collective and an On The Couch session with Brian Nankervis).
This is one Courthouse that you will be happy to get to know the inside of.
Facebook: Courthouse Restaurant
Instagram: @Courthouse_restaurant
Phone: 6684 1550
