The gold rush in the late 1850s attracted miners and all sorts of shady characters to Chiltern. The town’s heyday lasted until the early 1900s when the gold deposits dried up, causing a mass exodus, leaving behind an architecturally rich town on the Melbourne to Albury train line, as well as the road linking Sydney and Melbourne. The buildings, most lovingly restored, are still there, and so is the train line, but the Hume Freeway’s buzz is kept well away from the sleepy town. The Old Chiltern Bank is one such well-preserved building from this era. It’s beautifully kept by owner Marcia, and trades as a BnB and Teahouse. The outdoor seating area in the garden is a delight in warmer weather, and indoors, the high vaulted ceiling in the dining area is set up for tea. I’m excited when everything arrives on vintage crockery, including said bone China tea cup (I sit in the garden). The two small scones are at room temperature, which is fine, but are on the dry side. Reviews on Tripadvisor suggest that the jam is homemade. To me, on this day, it is super thick, sliceable even, reminding of the type I had from a can as a child. I make my own jam, and this doesn’t seem like homemade jam – but I could be wrong. It’s a warm day, and the whipped cream isn’t chilled and is struggling to remain intact. It’s a good place to stock up on Adore tea, jam, chutney and crafts made by local ladies.
Scones: 
Jam:
Cream:
Tea: An amazing choice of Adore loose-leaf teas served in a big teapot.
Price: $$
Overall: A gorgeous historic property with a matching menu offering homemade goodies.
Location: 28 Conness St, Chiltern VIC 3683 Ph: 03 5726 1685
Reviewed December, 2017
