It’s time to pull on your cosiest scarf and winter coat and spend the weekend at The Levee as it gets set to ignite your senses with the Maitland Aroma Coffee & Chocolate Festival, at Maitland Riverside Car Park, August 12 and 13.
Maitland Aroma is the destination for discovering decadent treats, delighting in gourmet food discoveries, delicious new brews or picking up some handy hints and tips on how to make your newest favourite delicacy (or two). While you wander through the stalls and do a spot of shopping, be sure to pick yourself up all kinds of yummy purchases from the finest chocolatiers, winemakers and food producers that the Hunter and surrounds have to offer.
As the sun warms your face, savour the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, melting chocolate, paella simmering, cakes and pastries baking and so much more. The options are all so amazing that you won’t be able to decide on which one you’ll want first!
Brining the Hunter Valley to you
With the Aroma Festival in town, we are bringing some of the best the Hunter has to offer to one location that you can stroll through. From Pokolbin we have an amazing selection of reds, whites and fortified wines from the Peterson House, Drayton’s Family Wines, Tranquil Vale, KissOFire, Savannah Estate, and Moorebank Vineyard. Plus, with bottles open and tasting glasses lined up, you can also try some scrumptious cider and spirits options.
LET YOUR TASTEBUDS BE INSPIRED AT THE FLAVOUR STAGE
Always wanted to get closer to achieving the perfect coffee at home? Or better understand the different coffee flavours from around the world? Or how to cook like a MasterChef?
This year make sure you drop by the Flavour Stage which will feature its very own special guest host and MasterChef identity Reece Hignell, aka Cakeboi! Renowned for sharing his Nan’s culinary secrets with the world, this Newcastle local and self proclaimed food nerd is excited to be bringing everyone on a journey, with some insightful sessions where you can soak up some culinary advice that you can take home and try out.
The Flavour Stage is packed with workshops and demonstrations from local businesses covering all things chocolate and coffee. River Roast will take our tastebuds on a journey across the plains of Ethiopia to the mountainous ranges of Columbia. Or if you love martinis more than latte art? Get along to see the team from Drop Bear Coffee who’ll have you stirring, shaking and sipping like a pro.
PICTURESQUE RIVERSIDE HIGH TEA
Want a moment of serenity and indulgence with family or friends? Check out the new bookable experience, Maitland Aroma High Tea by the River. With a choice of three grazing boxes from the local Curwen & Co. there are mouthwatering goodies for everyone.
RELAX AT THE LEVEE WITH A SUPERB COFFEE AND SNACK
Year round, The Levee serves up some of the best coffee around, so you can continue your love of a good brew well beyond the festival. Meander through The Levee and you will be spoilt for choice with the myriad of coffee establishments, cafés and bars on offer, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge.
At Black Label Espresso, Matt thrives on consistency with Delano specialty coffee and skilfully serves up a good coffee, every time. Start your weekend off right at where house made seasonal sweets and savouries are made with love and care that’s next level. They come from Newcastle micro-roasters Floozy, who take single origins seriously. Back at Burkey’s House of Espresso, you’ll receive a warm welcome from Brian, and a pour that will put hair on your chest.
Got a penchant for coffee and cycling? The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar is the local ‘hub’ for cycling and coffee culture. At this independent, family owned bike shop, workshop and espresso bar, pick up a spare tube, a new bike or have yours serviced…as well as order a range of simple eats.
Wander over to Lavenders Café and linger with a coffee and one of their scrumptious house made treats, such as their passionfruit cheesecake, apple pie, or even caramel slice. Which would you choose? Or are you more partial to tapas with your brew? Check out a beautifully sunny spot overlooking the river at CJ’s On the Levee and try the favourite Spanish baked eggs or Churros with your choice of dipping sauces. Or if you’re a little more adventurous why not step into Sudania Café and taste a traditional Sudanese coffee with its delectable notes of ginger and caramel.
Boutique beer lovers and coffee drinkers, can while away hours at The Whistler, or sip your way through a Guinness at the Imperial Hotel. Love a licensed café by the river? Enjoy the morning sun on the deck at The Orange Tree Café. Stop off to shop at Pender Place Shopping Centre and pick up a good brew at Michel’s Patisserie.
Getting there
Heading to Aroma? It’s a short walk down High Street or The Riverside Walk to get to the Aroma Coffee & Chocolate Festival at Maitland Riverside Car Park. The location is accessible via St Andrews Street or The Riverside Walk via Stillsbury Lane, Nab Laneway, the Riverlink, Bourke Street Link from High Street and the Shared Zone at The Levee.