If you find yourself at a loose end in Maitland, drop in to Lavenders Riverside and soak up some sun in the outdoor courtyard that overlooks the Hunter River. If the weather is lousy, there’s always the indoor area but the feature here is being outside; under a shady umbrella, or not. It’s well off the pedestrian shopping mall, so any way you arrive, it’s a stroll to get there. The cheap quality jam might be okay for some, but it does nothing for the light and fluffy scone, that thankfully is delightful. I wish I ordered a couple, as they are quite small but perfectly sized for a snack. The double thick cream is a bonus too, so it’s easy to dismiss the jam quality when both the scone and the cream are so good. Only open until 1.30pm on weekends, so don’t dawdle if taking a stroll along the Riverwalk that follows the meandering Hunter River.

Scones: 

Jam:

Cream: 

Tea: A basic range of loose-leaf teas served in a teapot.

Price: $$

Overall: A lovely location by the Hunter River walk.

Location: 1/418 High St, Maitland NSW 2320 Ph: 02 4933 8855 lavenders.com.au

Reviewed June 2019