Tim Blackwell explores the bakehouse where the Arnott family biscuit dynasty began
Tim Blackwell takes us on a trip down memory lane to historic Morpeth and its greatest claim to fame is that it's home to an Arnott's biscuits themed hotel.
This once booming town on the Hunter River is now a living museum, with heritage buildings and hidden laneways.
Best of all it's only two hours north of Sydney, and half an hour inland from Newcastle.
Location:
Morpeth, NSW
Costs:
The William Arnott Hotel www.historicarnottbakehouse.com.au
Rooms start from $150 per night. Monte Carlo Penthouse costs $450 per night
Morpeth Sourdough www.historicarnottbakehouse.com.au
Sourdough class costs $170pp including lunch, take-home dough & recipes.
Classes run every Saturday
Prices correct at 12.12.24
Highlights:
Morpeth is the perfect weekend getaway where you can sip award winning local wines, browse boutique shops, stroll along the banks of the Hunter River, and visit the famous bakehouse where the Arnott family biscuit dynasty began.
Comfortable accommodation can be found right in the heart of town, and The William Arnott Boutique Hotel, above the old Arnott Bakehouse, is definitely worth a visit. There are three beautifully appointed spaces named after some of Arnott's favourites, including the Monte Carlo Penthouse, the VoVo suite and the SAO studio.
Tim was lucky enough to book into a sourdough class with Stephen Arnott, great, great, great grandson of William Arnott, the founder of the Arnotts biscuits! Tim learnt tips and tricks on how to create the finest sourdough bread in the very kitchen where it all began back in the 1860s.
Morpeth embraces its history as the home of Australia's favourite biscuits. Nine
Just around the corner you can find all of your childhood treats and more at Miss Lily's Lollies. This quirky lolly shop sells everything from homemade fudge, giant lollipops, American candy, English sweets, and Aussie cobbers! Tim took home armfuls of treats.
Across the street is another highlight, Morpeth Ginger Beer Factory & Gourmet Foods. Your tastebuds will be tingling as you watch the delicious cordial being brewed and packaged on the old fashioned equipment. Choose original flavour or one of the 12 other fruity cordials, or maybe take home some of the 150 varieties of delicious homemade jams, pickles, chutneys and honey.
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