What’s On
Looking for a fun and laid-back night out? You’ve come to the right place. We’re open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, serving up great food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. From themed dinners to amateur music nights from bingo to talks, there’s always something happening.
Check out our upcoming events below, gather your mates, and join us for an evening of good eats, cold drinks, and top-notch entertainment.
Murder Mystery
Haunted House Murder Mystery
Something sinister is stirring...
Step inside a haunted castle where ghosts, vampires, witches, monsters and mysterious creatures gather for one unforgettable evening. But beware... before the night is over, a murder will take place, and it's up to you and your fellow guests to uncover the truth.
Dress in your most haunting attire, embrace your supernatural alter ego, and work together to unravel a web of clues, secrets and suspicious characters. With plenty of laughs, unexpected twists and interactive fun, this is an evening where everyone becomes part of the story. The game centres around supernatural beings gathering in a castle in Transylvania before one of the guests is murdered, leaving everyone to solve the mystery.
Whether you're a seasoned detective or simply looking for a unique night out with friends, this immersive experience promises a thrilling mix of mystery, mischief and unforgettable entertainment.
Costumes are necessary!
Will you solve the mystery before the killer disappears into the night?
Tickets are $79
Inclusion:
Bubbles and nibbles on arrival
Two course alternate drop (mains and desserts)
Hosted evening
We sold out last time!
Table in Full Bloom
Learn the art of floral tablescapes with MIKA at the next in our "In Full Bloom" series: Table in Full Bloom.
Come and play with flowers, colour, texture and a little bit of magic.
Join Mika at The Alternate Root for an indulgent evening of floral styling and beautiful tablescapes, where you’ll learn how to turn an ordinary table into a space people will want to linger around long after dinner is done.
Whether you’re dreaming up a Christmas table, a birthday celebration, a long lunch with friends or simply want to make your next dinner party feel a little more special, this workshop will give you the skills and inspiration to create something gorgeous in your own style.
You’ll be guided through the art of floral tablescaping, with all flowers and materials provided, so you can get stuck into creating without needing to bring a thing.
And because beautiful tables deserve beautiful food, your experience also includes a two-course Alternate Root floral-inspired meal, mains and desserts served alternate drop style, plus a floral-inspired cocktail or mocktail to enjoy along the way.
Come for the flowers. Stay for the food, drinks, creativity and dreamy table-setting possibilities.
$245 per person | Limited places
Come make something beautiful.
GIG - Billie-Jo Porter
Uralla, pull up a chair for a night of rich live music, soulful vocals, and honest storytelling.
Hailing from Quirindi in regional NSW, singer-songwriter Billie-Jo Porter brings a sun-drenched mix of folk-tinged country and Americana to The Alternate Root Cafe.
Having travelled and played music around the world, Billie-Jo is back home and on the road with an intimate live lineup. Fresh off major festival stages like the iconic Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Music Muster, and Tamworth Country Music Festival, - not to mention sharing stages supporting legends like Pete Murray and Thirsty Merc - she crafts songs that feel like an old friend coming over for a yarn.
Recorded with Golden Guitar legend Shane Nicholson, her debut album landed at #4 on the ARIA Country Chart and was crowned ABC Country Album of the Week.
Expect an uplifting evening of organic melodies, radio favourites like Feels Like Us, and a first listen to unreleased tracks from her upcoming record. Bring your favourite people, grab a drink, and share in a night of genuine warmth and live music.
Tickets are strictly limited BUY HERE
Out of Abingdon
OUT OF ABINGDON rETURNS
12 December | From 6pm
Ease into the festive season with an evening of soulful, acoustic music from Out of Abingdon at The Alternate Root.
The duo of Warwick Hargreaves and Tina Fullerton bring together stripped-back guitar, double bass and warm, expressive vocals to create a sound that sits somewhere between jazz, blues, contemporary folk and something entirely their own. Their music is relaxed, grooving and beautifully atmospheric. This is the kind of live music that works just as well with a drink in hand as it does with your eyes closed, soaking it all in.
With more than 14 years of touring behind them, Out of Abingdon have played stages and festivals across Australia, as well as touring through Europe and the UK, including the Edinburgh Fringe and jazz clubs in Paris and Berlin. Their musical influences stretch from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Björk, with jazz, blues, ballads and contemporary sounds all finding their way into the mix.
So grab a drink, settle in and let the music take care of the rest.
And with Christmas just around the corner, why not gather the work crew and make a night of it? Swap the office for the bar, round up your favourite colleagues and turn your end-of-year celebration into an evening of live music, good food and a few well-earned drinks.
12 December | From 6pm
Free Entry.
NYE Boot Scootin' with KT
Swap the champagne for cowboy boots and see out the year with a proper night of boot scootin’ at The Alternate Root!
We’re turning New Year’s Eve into a country dance party, with plenty of dancing, good food, celebration drinks and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned line dancer or have absolutely no idea what your feet are supposed to be doing, come along and give it a crack.
Your ticket includes a drink on arrival, a main meal and dessert, plus a night of dancing as we count down to the New Year.
Round up your mates, dust off the boots (or don’t, we’re not fussy) and get ready to dance, eat, drink and welcome 2027 in true boot scootin’ style.
$60 per person | Drink on arrival | Main meal | Dessert | Dancing
**KIDS TICKETS $40 (age 12 and under only)**
Doors open at 5:30pm with dancing kicking off from 6pm.
Kids Halloween!
Halloween at The Alternate Root! 👻
Get the little ghosts, witches, and monsters dressed up for an afternoon of Halloween fun!
Kids can decorate their very own spooky cookies, get creative with Halloween crafts, and tuck into a seriously loaded Halloween shake. There’ll be plenty of sweet treats, messy creativity and spooky fun to go around.
And of course… what’s Halloween without a little trick-or-treating? 🍬👻
Come along for a relaxed afternoon of making, decorating, sipping and treating, costumes very much encouraged!
🎃 Cookie decorating
🕷️ Halloween crafts
🥤 Loaded Halloween shakes
🍬 Trick-or-treating
👻 Plenty of spooky fun
Cookie decorating tickets are essential
BOOK HERE
Fovndlings
Fovndlings at The Alternate Root
Fovndlings are back! With a genre best described as cowpunk their original songs weave together poetry, driving rhythms and stories of friendship, loss and life in the landscapes and towns of regional Australia. Think big guitars, strange stories, dusty roads and a distinctly New England sense of place.
With a sound described as both haunting and mesmerising, Fovndlings bring something a little different to the stage; raw, lyrical and unmistakably Australian.
They've played across the New England, Sydney and Melbourne, and now they're back on home turf for a night at The Alternate Root.
Come down for a few drinks, some very good local music and a band that refuses to fit neatly into a genre.
Boot Scootin'
Get ready to kick up your heels at Boot Scootin’ Night! Join us for an evening of fun, featuring an experienced line dance teacher KT, who’ll guide you through classic and modern country moves—no experience needed. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a total beginner, you'll have a blast on the dance floor. Enjoy great food, delicious cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that’ll have you two-stepping all night long!
Doors open from 5pm for drinks with dancing kicking off at 5.30pm!
$15
GIG - Kial Malone
The Kial Malone Kids Again Tour is coming to town!
Kial Malone is an award winning songwriter from Gundungurra Country, in the Southern Tablelands of Australia.
His southern Americana and Country influences are deeply rooted in his music and best showcased in his live show, weaving storytelling throughout his slow tormenting ballads, wailing harmonica, and gut-punching acoustic guitar.
Kial has established himself as one of Australia’s emerging independent artists, supporting the likes Adam Newling, Ash Grunwald, Beddy Rays, Phil Jamieson and The Smith Street Band.
To celebrate his latest release “Kids Again,” Kial is heading out on the road for his biggest headline tour to date, and bringing a few special mates along with him.
Grab some friends and come along for a night of sad songs and (mostly true) stories. The wonderful Zoe Rain will be supporting the show. Doors 5.30pm, free entry.
Bites for Biodiversity
Bites for Biodiversity
Join the Armidale Tree Group for a fabulous evening of food, friendship and fundraising at Bites for Biodiversity, held at TheAlternate Root in Uralla on Friday 25th September from 5:30pm - 9:30pm.
Enjoy a relaxed and entertaining evening celebrating our local environment and the wonderful community that helps protect it. The evening will feature a two coursedelicious meal, a complimentary drink, live music and an inspiring guest speaker, along with a silent auction showcasing artworks generously donated by talented local artists.
Come along, enjoy a great night out and help raise much-needed funds for the Armidale Tree Group’s ongoing work to protect biodiversity, restore native habitats and grow a greener future for our region.
Bites for Biodiversity – where every bite, bid and beat helps our environment thrive!
Cost is $60 per person.
Please make note of any dietary requirements when booking.
Expected schedule
5:30pm Doors open
6pm - 7pm Music
7pm - 7.45pm Main meals
7:45pm - 8:05pm Guest speaker
8:15pm Dessert
An Evening with Bronnie Ware
A rare literary gathering celebrating the launch of Kookaburra
Join bestselling author Bronnie Ware for an intimate evening marking the launch of her debut novel, Kookaburra.Held in a relaxed country café setting, this is a limited-capacity event designed to feel more like a literary salon than a traditional book launch.This is a rare public appearance and an opportunity to step inside the story behind the story—why Bronnie moved from internationally acclaimed non-fiction into fiction, how Kookaburra came to life, and what it means to begin a new creative chapter.The evening will feature an in-conversation with the author, a short reading from the novel, audience Q&A, and generous time for book signing, photographs, and connection.Each ticket includes a copy of Kookaburra, a welcome drink (champagne or juice), and shared grazing platters. Additional drinks and meals will be available for purchase from the café menu throughout the evening.More than a book launch, this is an intimate gathering for readers who want to share in the celebration of Bronnie’s first novel.Seats are strictly limited.
Event highlights:·
A copy of Kookaburra included·
Welcome drink (champagne or juice) on arrival·
In-conversation with Bronnie Ware·
Exclusive reading from Kookaburra·
Audience Q&A·
Book signing and social time·
Grazing platters included·
Additional drinks and meals available for purchase
VIP Ticket:
Arrive 30 minutes early for first entry into the event space
First choice of seating
A photo opportunity with Bronnie before the main event begins, avoiding later queues
This evening is designed to feel warm, conversational, and memorable—an opportunity to experience the author and her new work up close.
Intermezzo: Vin & Voix
Intermezzo: Vin & Voix
An evening of music, food and stories
Following its warmly received debut, Intermezzo returns with Vin & Voix—an evening celebrating beautiful music, good food and the pleasure of gathering together.
Join Opera Australia mezzo-soprano Ruth Strutt and acclaimed pianist Donna Balson at The Alternate Root for an intimate recital that blurs the line between concert and dinner party. Settle in with a glass of wine or cocktail and delicious tapas as Ruth and Donna take you on a musical journey spanning the brilliance of Rossini and Bizet, the intimacy of Berg and Vaughan Williams, the timeless melodies of Gershwin and Piaf, and contemporary Australian song.
With stories shared between performances and artists just metres away, Vin & Voix offers the rare opportunity to experience world-class music in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Every piece has been carefully chosen to surprise, delight and move, creating an evening that is as engaging as it is memorable.
After performing with Opera Australia and on concert stages across Australia, Ruth is delighted to return home and share this music with a community renowned for its enthusiasm for live performance. Come for the music, stay for the atmosphere, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of hospitality, conversation and song.
Tapas & Cocktails from 5:30 pm | Concert at 6:30 pm
Food and drinks are available for purchase from The Alternate Root and are not included in the ticket price.
About the artists
Ruth Strutt is a mezzo-soprano with Opera Australia whose recent performances have been praised as:
"Extraordinary vocal control, versatility and concentration... Strutt is formidable."
— Limelight Arts
"Strutt sings with emotional warmth and focus."
— The Sydney Morning Herald
Donna Balson is one of Australia's most respected opera coaches and collaborative pianists. A former performer in Germany and the United States, she has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with orchestras throughout Europe and North America. As a Young Artist Program director, she has coached singers for performances at La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and Opera Australia.
Under 18's Open Mic Night
UNDER 18s OPEN MIC NIGHT!
Got a song you’ve been dying to perform?
This one’s for you.
Join us for an afternoon of live music and good vibes at Under 18s Open Mic Night!
📅 Saturday 12 September
⏰ 4:00–6:00pm
🎤 Under 18s only
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or have never stepped on a stage before, this is a chance to get up, have some fun, and share what you’ve got.
Want to perform? Register here
Not ready to take the mic? Come along, bring your mates, and cheer on the performers!
Free to attend • Everyone gets a cheer!
A Swedish Dining Experience
SAVE THE DATE.
A Swedish Dining Experience is coming to The Alternate Root.
Details to come.
Gourmetten
Welcome to the FINAL in our Gourmetten dining series for this year!
Step into a warm, interactive evening with Gourmetten; a beloved Dutch dining tradition designed for lingering at the table. Each guest cooks their own selection of meats, vegetables, and cheeses on a tabletop raclette grill; creating a meal that unfolds slowly, bite by bite, conversation by conversation. It’s slow, social, hands-on, and wonderfully communal evening; more about the shared experience than a formal meal.
For $69 per person, $25 for kids 12 years and under this all-you-can-eat experience is all about slowing down, gathering, sharing, and enjoying the process. Expect a cosy atmosphere, deliciously fresh ingredients, and a night that feels equal parts novelty and comfort. This is a dining experience made for good company and unhurried enjoyment.
Booking details:
Spots are limited for these experiences therefore bookings are essential so that you don’t miss out. The first seating starts at 5:30pm and the last available start time is 7pm. This allows you to fully experience Gourmetten as it should be done!
Tables are ideally for a minimum of 4 pax.
Reach out to Grace on events@alternateroot.com.au if you are hoping to book for 2pax.
Otherwise…
James Bennett
"Occasionally an artist stops you in your tracks and belts you right in the feels, and singer-songwriter James Bennett is certainly in the business of crafting tracks that get stuck in your head without overstaying their welcome. There's an effortless charm to Bennett's songs that carries over into real life when he talks about his music - a self-taught guitarist, a silver-tongued lyricist and a voice coated in rasping honey, it's no surprise or coincidence that a boy who grew up off the grid listening to uninterrupted Bob Dylan would end up conjuring dreamy folk magic."
James Bennett is an independent solo artist & multi instrumentalist from Port Macquarie NSW. An experienced, prolific songwriter & one who believes in writing for a purpose & not just for the sake of trying to hit the big time. Constantly evolving, while staying rooted in the sincerity that defines his music, James Bennett’s raw honesty shines through his live sets, never failing to transfix an audience.
FREE ENTRY!
2026 Uralla Business Excellence Awards
2026 Uralla Business Excellence Awards
Gala Presentation Dinner
Join the Uralla Shire Business Chamber for an evening celebrating the outstanding achievements, innovation, and contributions of businesses and individuals across the Uralla region.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 7 August 2026
Arrival: 6:00 pm
Venue: The Alternate Root, 48 Bridge Street, Uralla
Dress Code: Uralla Chic
Celebrate the people behind our local businesses with a night of recognition, great food, and connection with the community.
Dinner is entirely inspired by our amazing local producers featuring the likes of Sunhill Dairy Goats, Uralla Gourmet Mushrooms, Melibee Honey, Dino’s Trout, Dobson’s Gin and more!
Tickets: Available via https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1612548
Join us in celebrating the best of Uralla business! Join us for the 2026 Uralla Business Excellence Awards Gala Presentation Dinner at The Alternate Root. Enjoy an evening of recognition, great food, and community as we honour the outstanding businesses and individuals making a difference in our region.
An Italian Dining Experience
There’s something special about an Italian table. It’s all about slowing down, sharing stories, pouring another glass of wine, and lingering a little longer with the people you love.
Join us at Alternate Root for La Notte Italiana, an evening inspired by the warmth, generosity and simple pleasures of Italian dining. Gather your favourite people, settle in, and enjoy a menu designed for sharing, celebrating and connecting.
Whether you're planning a cosy date night, catching up with friends, or bringing the whole family together, this is an evening to savour. Expect wholesome, comforting Italian flavours, seasonal ingredients, and dishes made to be passed around the table, encouraging conversation and connection with every course.
With a welcoming atmosphere, candlelit tables, beautiful wines, and the familiar hum of good conversation filling the room, La Notte Italiana is an invitation to slow the pace and enjoy the kind of evening that feels both effortless and memorable.
Leave the cooking to us, bring the people you love, and experience an evening where delicious food, warm hospitality and shared moments take centre stage.
Booking details:
There are two seating time available with limited number in each booking time.
Seating one at 5:30pm
Seating two at 7pm
Bookings are essential
Board Games Night!
Blackheart Games & Hobbies from Armidale is coming in to the Alternate Root to host a board games evening!
Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned pro there will be something for you.
Blackheart Games & Hobbies will be providing games and guidance but do feel free to bring your own game!
Tapas and cocktails will be available all evening.
SOFA SESSION w/ The Armidale Tree Group
SOFA SESSION | In Conversation with the Armidale Tree Group
What does it take to restore a landscape? How do native plants shape the health of our region? And what role can each of us play in creating a more sustainable future?
Join us for an evening with the Armidale Tree Group, a not-for-profit organisation that has been growing sustainable landscapes across the New England for more than 40 years. From propagating thousands of native plants each year to restoring ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and working alongside landholders, schools and community groups, their work quietly shapes the places we call home.
In this relaxed Sofa Session, we'll sit down with members of the Armidale Tree Group to hear the story behind the organisation, explore the challenges and rewards of environmental restoration, and discover why their mission is more important than ever. Whether you're a keen gardener, a nature lover, or simply curious about the incredible work happening in our own backyard, this conversation offers a chance to connect with the people helping New England thrive.
Grab a drink, settle into the sofa, and join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation, local stories and community connection.
Painting, Cocktails & Tapas
Tapas, Cocktails & Mini Canvas Night
Slow down, sip something delicious, and let your creativity take the lead.
Whether you're planning a date night, catching up with friends, or looking for a different way to spend your evening, this relaxed creative evening is all about enjoying the process.
Just $10 to add a little painting moment to your evening
Gourmetten
Welcome to the second in our Gourmetten dining series! With our first one being entirely booked out you’ll want to get in early on this one!
Step into a warm, interactive evening with Gourmetten; a beloved Dutch dining tradition designed for lingering at the table. Each guest cooks their own selection of meats, vegetables, and cheeses on a tabletop raclette grill; creating a meal that unfolds slowly, bite by bite, conversation by conversation. It’s slow, social, hands-on, and wonderfully communal evening; more about the shared experience than a formal meal.
For $69 per person, this all-you-can-eat experience is all about slowing down, gathering, sharing, and enjoying the process. Expect a cosy atmosphere, deliciously fresh ingredients, and a night that feels equal parts novelty and comfort. This is a dining experience made for good company and unhurried enjoyment.
Tables are for a minimum of 4 pax.
Booking details:
Spots are limited for these experiences therefore bookings are essential so that you don’t miss out. The first seating starts at 5:30pm and the last available start time is 7pm. This allows you to fully experience Gourmetten as it should be done!
If you are booking for less than 4 people, you might be seated at a table with another small group, your own raclette grill for bookings of 1-3 people is not assured. This type of dining experience is centred on the idea of a cosy, interactive tradition where people gather around a table to share in good food, conversation; truely a shared experience.
Booking options:
Email Grace on events@alternateroot.com.au for further details or to book
South American Night!
South American Dance & Dining Night
Join us for an evening of vibrant culture, delicious food, and joyful movement as we celebrate the rhythms and flavours of South America.
Throughout the evening, you'll enjoy live dance demonstrations and performances showcasing the energy, passion, and spirit of South American dance traditions. Curious to give it a go? There will be opportunities to learn a few simple steps along the way, with friendly invitations to join in. No experience required!
Prefer to sit back and enjoy without having to jump up and dance? You're just as welcome. Come for dinner, enjoy a cocktail, soak up the atmosphere, and experience the magic from your table.
Our kitchen and bar will be serving a special South American inspired menu for the evening, featuring delicious regional dishes and handcrafted cocktails designed to transport your taste buds across the continent.
Whether you're an experienced dancer, a complete beginner, or simply looking for a unique night out, this is an evening to enjoy at your own pace.
The vibe for the evening is fun, community and connection!
Free entry.
Bookings preferred.
No dance experience necessary.
5:30pm Doors Open
6pm-7:30pm Demonstrations and Lessons
7:30pm SHOWCASE
The kitchen will be open from 5pm-8pm.
The Sweet Road Tour
The Sweet Road Tour welcomes the Winter Solstice
As this season meets the deepest, darkest point of the year, Mem Davis invites you to join her for a special ceremony of song in celebration of the coming light.
A marriage of candles, cider or hot chocolate, ancient ritual and modern music, this is a space for you to relax, recharge and partake in the joy of community at The Alternate Root.
Following a ceremony to welcome the winter solstice, audiences will enjoy an evening of unmistakable vocals sharing stripped back ballads, thoughtful lyrics, and the special energy that can only come from a live performance.
With a reputation for intimate, emotionally resonant performances, Mem blends heartfelt songwriting with warmth, humour and raw honesty.
Step inside, take a seat, and be part of something that pulls on your heartstrings.
About Mem Davis
The Sweet Road Tour celebrates the recent release of Mem’s next single, It’s All Just Love. It’s an apt song for the winter solstice, centred on growth, wisdom and the light of community.
Mem invites listeners on a journey of joy, love, and heartfelt emotion. With songs that will break your heart and heal it all over again, she’ll have you laughing, crying and digging into all the feelings.
Mem’s first single Young Love (2023) showcased her rose-coloured attitude to life, while her follow up, Being a Kid, reminds audiences of the importance of imagination in adulthood.
She has graced the stages of multiple music festivals, small halls, campfires and private venues, captivating people far and wide with her distinctive sound and powerful voice.
Mem lives and tours full-time with her partner in their caravan, bringing her special brand of honest songwriting to music lovers across Australia
This is a free to attend event, make sure to book a table. (Make sure to book at your preferred point in the evening).
The timing of the evening is as follows:
5.45pm Arrival
6pm-7pm Ceremony and intention setting
7pm -9pm Music
If ceremony isn’t for you feel free to come along when the music starts at 7pm!
Gourmetten
Welcome to the second in our Gourmetten dining series! With our first one being entirely booked out you’ll want to get in early on this one!
Step into a warm, interactive evening with Gourmetten; a beloved Dutch dining tradition designed for lingering at the table. Each guest cooks their own selection of meats, vegetables, and cheeses on a tabletop raclette grill; creating a meal that unfolds slowly, bite by bite, conversation by conversation. It’s slow, social, hands-on, and wonderfully communal evening; more about the shared experience than a formal meal.
For $69 per person, this all-you-can-eat experience is all about slowing down, gathering, sharing, and enjoying the process. Expect a cosy atmosphere, deliciously fresh ingredients, and a night that feels equal parts novelty and comfort. This is a dining experience made for good company and unhurried enjoyment.
Tables are for a minimum of 4 pax.
Booking details:
Spots are limited for these experiences therefore bookings are essential so that you don’t miss out. The first seating starts at 5:30pm and the last available start time is 7pm. This allows you to fully experience Gourmetten as it should be done!
If you are booking for less than 4 people, you might be seated at a table with another small group, your own raclette grill for bookings of 1-3 people is not assured. This type of dining experience is centred on the idea of a cosy, interactive tradition where people gather around a table to share in good food, conversation; truely a shared experience.
Booking options:
Email Grace on events@alternateroot.com.au for further details or to book
A Bookish Evening
A quiet night for book lovers.
Join us for an evening dedicated to the simple pleasure of reading in good company. Bring the book you're currently reading, discover a new favourite from someone else's recommendation, or simply settle into a cosy corner with a warm drink and a good story.
Our Bookish Evenings are designed for those who love the atmosphere of a shared reading space without the pressure of a traditional book club. There are no assigned books, no required discussions, and no expectations. Read quietly, chat with fellow book lovers, swap recommendations, or simply enjoy an uninterrupted evening with your latest literary companion.
BOOK CLUBS ARE ALSO VERY WELCOME TO GATHER TOGETHER HERE ON THESE EVENINGS!
Our café will be open throughout the evening with drinks, tapas, soups and cakes available.
Whether you're a lifelong reader, a casual bookworm, or someone looking to carve out a little more time for books, you're warmly invited to join us.
Bring a book. Find a cosy seat. Stay awhile.
Book a spot or just wander on in.
Serving from 5pm-8pm.
Slow Stitch
For the next in our Slow Evening Series we bring you Slow Stitch; an evening of mending, making, conversation, and slowing down.
Bring along a piece that needs a little love; a torn jumper, worn jeans, a half-finished project, or simply your curiosity to learn. Slow Stitch is a gentle evening centred around visible mending, hand stitching, creativity, and connection.
No experience is needed. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about slowing down, working with our hands, sharing stories across the table, and finding beauty in repair.
Expect candlelight, warm drinks, cosy conversation, soft music, and a welcoming space to create at your own pace.
Come alone or bring a friend. Stay for a tea, tapas, a toastie, and a slower kind of evening.
We will have a limited amount of embroidery sets available for purchase on the night, make a note when booking if you would like one reserved for the evening.
Slow Evenings at The Root: Tapas & Craft
Slow Evenings Series: Tapas & Craft at The Alternate Root
A little indulgent, a little creative…
Join us for an evening of grazing, sipping, and making things with your hands. Choose your tapas as you go; small plates designed for sharing, sampling, and ordering “just one more.”
Feeling inspired after a drink or two? Add a craft (or a few). Each project is just $10, so you can lean into your artistic era without the commitment. Think low-pressure, slightly tipsy creativity. No experience required, perfection actively discouraged.
Come with friends, bring a date, or fly solo and make something anyway. Stay for one drink or settle in for the night.
Eat well. Make things. Romanticise your life a little.
Gourmetten
Step into a warm, interactive evening with Gourmetten; a beloved Dutch dining tradition designed for lingering at the table. Each guest cooks their own selection of meats, vegetables, and cheeses on a tabletop raclette grill; creating a meal that unfolds slowly, bite by bite, conversation by conversation. It’s slow, social, hands-on, and wonderfully communal evening; more about the shared experience than a formal meal.
For $69 per person, this all-you-can-eat experience is all about slowing down, gathering, sharing, and enjoying the process. Expect a cosy atmosphere, deliciously fresh ingredients, and a night that feels equal parts novelty and comfort. This is a dining experience made for good company and unhurried enjoyment.
Tables are ideally booked with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8 people.
Booking details:
Spots are limited for these experiences therefore bookings are essential so that you don’t miss out. The first seating starts at 5:30pm and the last available start time is 7pm. This allows you to fully experience Gourmetten as it should be done!
If you are booking for less than 4 people, you might be seated at a table with another small group, your own raclette grill for bookings of 1-3 people is not assured. This type of dining experience is centred on the idea of a cosy, interactive tradition where people gather around a table to share in good food, conversation; truely a shared experience.
Online bookings will be ready for this event soon, if you’d like to get in early reach out to Grace on events@alternateroot.com.au to secure a place.
TAPAS & COCKTAILS
Gather your favourite person (or a few) and settle in for a relaxed evening of shared tapas and cocktails. A social, flavour-filled experience designed for lingering, tasting, and good conversation.
For $39 per person (minimum bookings of two people), you’ll enjoy four tapas to share and two handcrafted cocktails. It’s good vibes, a little indulgent, and perfect for those nights when you want something more than a drink, but less than a formal dinner. Great food, beautiful drinks, and time to enjoy them together.
Gather the fam, the friends or make it date night!
MOTHER'S DAY
Mother’s Day is coming!
Celebrate Mother’s Day with us, let us do the work so that mum can relax. Book your table to gather, reconnect, and let Mum be cared for.
We’re open 8am–2:30pm, with thoughtful little moments woven throughout the space, including a beautiful flower bar by Eve’s Flowers styled by Mika, a nail polish station, and a few sweet surprises designed to make the day feel extra special. From 11am–2pm, you’re invited to settle in for bottomless brunch with mimosas and your choice of meal, a fun way to toast to Mum and spend meaningful time together.
Let this be a Mother’s Day filled with softness, care, and simple joys shared around the table.
Bookings are essential
TAPAS & COCKTAILS
Gather your favourite person (or a few) and settle in for a relaxed evening of shared tapas and cocktails. A social, flavour-filled experience designed for lingering, tasting, and good conversation.
For $39 per person (minimum bookings of two people), you’ll enjoy four tapas to share and two handcrafted cocktails. It’s good vibes, a little indulgent, and perfect for those nights when you want something more than a drink, but less than a formal dinner. Great food, beautiful drinks, and time to enjoy them together.
Gather the fam, the friends or make it date night!
Wings, Beers & Mother's Day Cards
Give mum what she truly wants for Mother’s Day! A whole hour to herself this Friday evening while you take the kids out to make a Mother’s Day card while you drink a beer while eating wings!
From 4pm - 7pm we are offering $22 for 6 wings and a beer for the dads/ guardians + free mother’s day card craft for the kiddos!
Not keen on the beers and wings but want in on the Mother’s Day card crafting? We’ve got you. For $5 per child make Mum, Grandma, Auntie or someone special a card that shows just how much you love them!
Offer goes until 7pm or until we run out of supplies!
Gather the dad’s and come on down.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION IS ESSENTIAL. ANY UNSUPERVISED KIDS WILL BE GIVEN SUGAR SACHETS AND A PUPPY.
“Get It Done”
Writing a book? Crocheting a blanket? Sketching out your next masterpiece? Bring your unfinished project to work on in the cafe to a backdrop of Low-Fi Focus tunes.
Don’t have something that you’re working on? No stress! We have a range of craft project available for $10 each
The bar will be open and available along with our tapas menu, the perfect combo to get productive.
This is a free to join event!
Out of Abingdon
Out of Abingdon is coming in for a live performance at The Alternate Root!
Soulful, smooth and utterly captivating, Out of Abingdon are an acoustic duo who bring a rich blend of groove laden double bass, expressive guitar and intimate vocals wherever they play. Comprising Tina Fullerton (double bass, vocals) and Warwick Hargreaves (guitar, vocals), the pair have spent over 15 years charming audiences across Australia, Europe and the UK with their unique sound that fuses elements of jazz, blues, balladry and reimagined contemporary tunes into a laid-back, yet deeply engaging musical experience.
After touring extensively for well over a decade, Tina and Warwick made the bold leap to life on the road fulltime in their beloved converted house truck, weaving stories of real life journeys into their songs. Their newest album, Red Dirt Tracks, reflects these experiences and showcases the duo’s evolution as storytellers and musicians.
Out of Abingdon are favourites on the festival circuit and in intimate lounges alike. From jazz clubs in Edinburgh, Berlin and Paris, to beloved Australian festivals and venues; building a devoted following wherever their wanderlust takes them. Expect warm grooves, soulful interplay and melodies that linger long after the last note fades.
FREE ENTRY