Moving from Sydney to a small 10-acre farm in the little-known town of Carool was always going to be life-changing. But the owners may not have fully appreciated how much magic they were about to sprinkle over northern NSW. Their award-winning kitchen garden has become a favourite destination in the Tweed tourism scene. To learn more about this true paddock to plate dining experience, Peter Burr has opened-up about the decision that lead to the move, but also heartbreak.
Peter and his partner Gareth had not long returned from a trip to Gareth’s rural hometown in Northern Ireland. They talked about simplifying life back in Sydney and started to look for properties. “We discovered Carool, came to the property in the morning, bought it in the afternoon, and that was that,” he laughs.
The property became their home and work, as they opened up a kitchen garden, called Potager. Their philosophy is, they can’t possibly grow everything they serve, but they do serve everything they grow. The garden typically produces about 40% of what is plated. “We’re in a sub-tropical environment, so not everything grows in the subtropics,” Peter explains. Leafy greens, heirloom carrots and heirloom beetroots absolutely love the climate, and feature heavily on the menu, as well as herbs, edible flowers, and citrus.
Peter, having had a corporate career, was very business savvy. While Gareth was creative and loved the cooking and gardening side. “As with any potager, if true to the word, you have both ornamental and produce gardens.”
“Sadly, I lost Gareth 5 and a half years ago to pancreatic cancer. But in saying that, his legacy is alive and well.”
Potager has become a significant feature on the Northern Rivers food scene being the most awarded restaurant in the region. As well as being popular with tourists, Potager has enriched the community by offering hospitality employment, jobs for local tradespeople and artisans who make all the tableware on a commission basis. “We’re giving back to the community that supports us in spades.”
2025 has been a huge year for the small business being inducted into the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame. “It’s wonderful validation of all the hard work the team puts in to deliver a great experience.”
“That’s how easy it is to come from the city and then appreciate what life can be like in a different environment. I thoroughly recommend it.”
Pete admits moving was a huge learning curve, initially having no idea what the BOM was, and now living by the weather forecast. “And we’re little. I have newfound empathy for when you watch shows like Landline and see hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of crops devastated through climatic events,” Peter shares.
Pete plans to carry on Gareth’s dream at Potager and is excited about the future with a new head chef from Portugal who is committed to regenerative agriculture and reducing food waste. “It’s really encouraging getting that symbiotic relationship between the garden and the kitchen.” And thankfully, everyone is welcome to taste that harmony from paddock to plate for themselves.
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