Lochiel House: South African Culinary in the Heart of Kurrajong

By Imy Abbott

For the past four years, Charlene Pretorius of Kurrajong’s Lochiel House has been bringing the essence of South African flavours to country dining.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Pretorius has lived in Australia for nine years but has had a passion for cooking her whole life.

She believes that “every chef is unique”, and she embraces “fusing flavours together” of both Australian and South African dishes.

Each week, Charlene provides a different experience, constantly reshaping her cuisine without the restrictions of a set menu.

She keeps a blackboard to write her menu on, which she changes weekly depending on the dishes she is inspired to make and the outcomes of the restaurant’s garden harvest.

Most of the restaurant’s fresh produce is harvested directly from the kitchen garden, which boasts veggie patches, fruit trees and a chicken coop.

As Pretorius put it, the food is “from garden to plate” as she wants to provide “wholesome, honest, real food, and make it unique”.

Also in the restaurant’s backyard is an Airbnb, which guests can book for romantic short-term accommodation.

In the past, Lochiel House was run as an upmarket and exclusive “fine dining” restaurant. Charlene prefers a warmer and more approachable atmosphere, accessible to a broader number of diners—delicious food in a friendly country setting. However, she stresses, “It isn’t just a steak and pasta kind of joint.”

Pretorius achieves this warmth through her interaction with the customers. She greets them with a happy “Let’s start with some bubbly!” and brings out bottles of her nicest South African wines for testers.

During our visit, five courses were brought out, with seven dishes.

These were:

1. Sourdough bread with the restaurant’s signature smoked paprika butter
2. Chakalaka bruschetta with home-made labneh, tomato and cornichons
3. Lentil and mushroom bobotie croquettes with charred mandarin, curry leaves and Cape Malay aioli
4. Lochiel’s ‘Surf and Turf’ Gatsby-inspired Marsala steak with pickled barramundi, caramelised onions and greens
5. Ricotta gnocchi with lentil ragu, roast fennel, zucchini and savoury nut praline
6. Peppermint crisp Sundae
7. Basque cheesecake with burnt orange, malt caramel and ginger crumb

One delighted member of our group described the meal as being “in a league of its own.”

Pretorius creates art in her cooking, and her passion does not go unnoticed. Each dish is unique and imaginative, and every flavour is purposeful and successful in complementing the others.

Next year, Lochiel House will be celebrating 200 years, with five of them under Pretorius’s ownership.

Charlene celebrates its long history. One room is dedicated to Joseph Douglas, an ex-Irish convict who established almost all of Kurrajong Heights. She also nurtures the old tree at the front of the restaurant, which dates back to the 1800s.

She loves when members of the past generations who owned this building come and visit the restaurant, and appreciates how they support her with pride and joy.

“It’s about nurturing history and bringing it alive in a modern way,” said Pretorius.

Lochiel House offers a special Tasting five-course shared menu for only $65 per person. On 1 September, they will offer a special Father’s Day lunch menu, so book in to enjoy a nice meal with the father figures in your life.

Lochiel House is a contender in the 2024 Hawkesbury Business Awards, and any votes and support for this “hidden gem” will be welcomed by Pretorius and her team.