Royal Mail Hotel at Rippon Lea Estate

18 Jul 2025

6:00 pm ‐ 10:00 pm

Tasting Menu: $300 per person
Wine Pairing add-on: $150 per person
Non-Alcoholic Pairing add-on: $75 per person

National Trust Members receive a 10% discount

VIC

This winter, Royal Mail Hotel brings its celebrated regional dining experience to Melbourne for a strictly limited series inside the grand ballroom of Rippon Lea Estate.

Each evening features a multi-course tasting menu curated by Executive Chef Robin Wickens and guided by the daily harvest from the hotel’s expansive organic kitchen garden in Dunkeld — Australia’s largest working kitchen garden dedicated to a restaurant.

The menu honours the richness of the Grampians in winter — with dishes designed around peak-season produce: slow-grown root vegetables, fragrant brassicas, cool-climate citrus, and bitter herbs. Refined technique and a minimalist hand let the ingredients speak — flavour is drawn out, not dressed up.

On arrival, guests will be welcomed with a Rippon Lea-inspired cocktail or mocktail, setting the tone for an evening of elegance. From there, drinks can be purchased throughout the night, or guests may choose to add on a curated beverage pairing — available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions — carefully matched to complement each course. This pairing can be selected during the booking process or purchased on the night.

Presented within one of Melbourne’s most iconic heritage estates, this is a rare convergence of grounded regional philosophy and timeless grandeur. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Wickens’ work or seeking a new kind of dining ritual, this is a singular chance to engage with one of Australia’s most revered culinary institutions—without leaving the city.

What’s Included

  • Multi-course tasting menu designed by Executive Chef Robin Wickens
  • Produce sourced directly from Royal Mail Hotel’s kitchen garden in Dunkeld
  • Rippon Lea-themed cocktail or mocktail on arrival
  • Optional beverage pairing add-on (alcoholic and non-alcoholic available)
  • Drinks available for purchase throughout the evening
  • Intimate, three-hour dining experience with staggered bookings

Additional Booking Information

This is a 16+ event due to the structure and format of the multi-course degustation.
For group bookings of 8 or more, please contact Showtime Event Group directly at rem@seg.melbourne or (03) 9682 1777.

Plan your Visit

Rippon Lea Estate

Address:

192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick 3185 VIC

What we offer:
  • Tea Room: Please note that the Tea Rooms are open for takeaway hot and cold drinks, ice cream, and biscuits. Sandwiches and cakes will be on offer when available. Takeaway drinks and food can be enjoyed on the main mansion veranda where tables and chairs will be provided to soak up the beautiful views of the garden.
  • The Gatehouse Gift Shop: There is a lovely selection of gifts and homewares to suit everyone’s taste.
  • The Gatehouse Nursery: Here you will find a wonderful variety of plants for sale.

National Trust Members receive 10% off all purchases on the presentation of their membership card.

For school bookings or group bookings, please contact our Bookings Office on (03) 9656 9889 Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm.

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