Mullum’s iconic Courthouse Hotel, now renovated, under new ownership and known as the Top Pub, has now made yet another improvement in its food offering to include some of the most-cherished dishes of German-trained culinary artist Raffael collected from his years working in kitchens throughout the world. And amazingly, he’s also an ‘art’ artist as well, the founder and creator of Lume Gallery in Byron’s A&I Estate.
His quirky festival food caravan Burgerlesque, has expanded its gourmet burger menu into a full bistro menu, including pub classics, for a pop-up (at least until June), under Raffael, whose professional journey began at the world-renowned Hotel Traube Tonbach. This iconic establishment, celebrated for its deep culinary heritage, provided the foundation for his skills and work ethic. Immersed in an environment defined by precision, tradition, and creativity, he developed a passion for food that would shape the early years of his career.
After completing his apprenticeship, Raffael ventured out into the world, eager to broaden his horizons and refine his craft. He worked in kitchens across several continents, gaining hands-on experience in Canada, England, and Australia. Each destination offered its own culinary influences, ingredients, and cultural perspectives, enriching his understanding of global cuisine and further deepening his relationship with food. In 2006, his travels ultimately led him back to Australia, where he chose to settle and build the next chapter of his life.
For the past 20 years, Raffael has also followed another deeply-rooted calling – the desire to work as an artist. This passion guided him into a diverse creative life filled with experimentation, design, and craftsmanship. He founded and curated Lume Gallery in the heart of Byron Bay’s Arts & Industry Estate, transforming the space into a home for contemporary art and community. Alongside curating exhibitions, he immersed himself in his own artistic practices: designing and manufacturing high-end leather accessories under the label Lohmann Leather, and creating distinctive lighting installations crafted from soft metals and hand-blown glass, which he showcases under the handle Raffaellohmann.
While his artistic career flourished, Raffael never fully stepped away from the hospitality world. The rhythm of the kitchen and the joy of serving food remained a constant thread throughout his life. Eventually, this thread drew him back into the industry, inspiring him to combine his culinary background with his artistic sensibilities. This fusion resulted in the creation of Burgerslesque, which quickly became known for its creativity, quality, and personality—much like the man behind it.
Recently, Raffael was invited to bring Burgerslesque into the iconic Courthouse Hotel, now known as the Top Pub, in Mullumbimby as a pop-up kitchen. Embracing the opportunity, he expanded his offering beyond his celebrated burger menu to include a full bistro menu. The new selection features classic pub favourites alongside some of his most cherished dishes collected from his years of global culinary experience. This collaboration will continue at least until the end of June, giving locals and visitors alike a perfect chance to enjoy his food in a relaxed, welcoming venue.
The kitchen at the Top Pub now operates seven days a week, serving lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm and dinner from 5pm to 8pm. With Raffael at the helm, it’s a moment worth making the most of.
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