Around 200km or 3 hours drive east of Canberra lies the small town of Mollymook, population around 1,000. 

One of Mollymook’s drawcards is the award-winning Rick Stein at Bannisters seafood restaurant. Rick Stein OBE is an English chef, restaurateur, author and television presenter, famous for the over 20 cookbooks and 30 cookery programmes to his credit. He has also cooked for The Queen and Prince Philip, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and French President, Jacques Chirac.

"As a seafood chef, really good local fish and shellfish is what excites me and the sea around Mollymook is teaming with some of the best in the world," said Stein.

Bannisters owns two boutique hotels in Mollymook, offering luxurious coastal accommodation, with dining and bar options including Rick Stein at Bannisters restaurant, poolside relaxation at each hotel and a day spa for pampering treatments. Courtesy vehicles operate between both hotels so that facilities can be enjoyed by all guests.

Bannisters also has two rental beach houses available for guests looking for a private coastal retreat – Rick’s Place and Blackberry Cottage.

Bannisters Pool Bar is also open to guests and visitors, boasting one of the most enviable views in Mollymook. Lounge poolside on one of the day beds or refresh with a dip in the solar-heated pool. There’s a tempting selection of gourmet pizzas on the menu and an impressive cocktail list full of classic favourites and signature concoctions. 

And if you’ve overindulged, Bannisters also has a Day Spa with a full range of luxurious treatments. With four indoor treatment rooms and a large Hamman steam room with rain shower, the Day Spa offers both private spaces or a semi alfresco Cabana with ocean views.

Rick Stein at Bannisters is open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner and Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch.

Bookings, events and menus are available online at www.bannisters.com.au