Tag: Sydney restaurants

Hidden General Store Transforms Dining Scene in Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: McCarrs Restaurant & General Store/Facebook

A once-overlooked general store on the border of Mona Vale and Terrey Hills has become one of Sydney’s newest dining destinations, combining local produce, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and a relaxed bushland setting.

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A Local Retreat Surrounded by Bushland

McCarrs General Store & Restaurant sits within the Ku-ring-gai bushland, offering visitors a calm retreat just a short drive from Sydney’s CBD. Run by Tom and Claudia Eadie, the venue blends casual daytime dining with evening service, celebrating community and simple, honest food.

The restaurant operates from a white-panelled farmhouse overlooking McCarrs Creek, while the general store — a converted shipping container — serves coffee, house-made pastries, bread, and local produce daily from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It has quickly become popular among cyclists and brunch-goers.

Terry Hills dining
Photo Credit: McCarrs Restaurant & General Store/Facebook

Seasonal Menu and Mediterranean Influence

McCarrs’ menu highlights local and sustainable ingredients, with herbs from its garden and contributions from nearby residents encouraged. The Eadies’ Mediterranean-style dishes feature handmade pasta, seafood, and woodfired pizza, alongside cocktails infused with Australian botanicals.

Lunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, and dinner runs from 4 p.m. until late, Wednesday to Sunday.

From Berkelo Bakery to Bushland Dining

Before establishing McCarrs, Tom and Claudia founded Berkelo Bakery, known for artisanal bread and a farm-to-table ethos. They’ve brought this same philosophy to Terrey Hills, focusing on seasonal produce and supporting small local suppliers.

McCarrs Restaurant & General Store
Photo Credit: McCarrs Restaurant & General Store/Facebook

A Community-Focused Venue

Beyond dining, McCarrs has developed into a local gathering place, offering fire pits, a spacious courtyard, and flexible event options such as aperitivo afternoons and family celebrations. The couple’s approach centres on community, sustainability, and appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty.

A Hidden Gem Near the City

Read: The Farmhouse Project Moves Ahead in Terrey Hills

Since opening in 2025, McCarrs has earned recognition for its balance of simplicity, quality, and community spirit. Tucked away in the bushland of Terrey Hills, it provides a dining experience that feels far from the city — yet only minutes away.

Published 10-Oct-2025

The Farmhouse Project Moves Ahead in Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: DA2024/1362

A hospitality group has received approval to build a $16 million restaurant complex in Terrey Hills, following revisions to its original proposal.

Read: Major $33-Million Restaurant Complex Proposed for Terrey Hills

Background and Proposal History

Plans for a large-scale restaurant project in Terrey Hills have progressed after more than eight months of review and community feedback. In October 2024, the Boathouse Group submitted development application DA2024/1362 for a $33 million dining complex at 40 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills. The original design included three restaurants across two buildings, catering to up to 794 patrons.

The site, purchased in 2022 for $9.8 million by Isaac Property Developments, spans 1.6 hectares and lies just off Mona Vale Road. The initial proposal featured an underground car park for 156 vehicles, outdoor lawns, pergolas, a stage positioned on the central restaurant’s outdoor terrace, and a children’s play area. The landscaping plan included over 8,300 new plants, including 93 trees and 18 palms.

The Farmhouse
Photo Credit: DA2024/1362

Revised Plans and Approval

After concerns were raised by NBC and community members, the plans were revised. The final version, approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel in July 2025, reduced the project scope to a single restaurant named “The Farmhouse”. The new development is valued at $16 million and will accommodate up to 594 patrons.

The approved venue will include a large undercover dining area, outdoor seating, a private dining room, a children’s play space, and 211 car parking spots. Operating hours are set from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. A small stage will host ambient live music between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Boathouse Group
Photo Credit: DA2024/1362

Community Sentiment

Public response to the project was evenly split. Of the 43 submissions made during the public exhibition phase, 22 supported the proposal, while 21 opposed it. Concerns focused on noise levels, traffic impact from Mona Vale Road, and the potential for events such as weddings. Supporters pointed to local job creation and increased amenities.

The final decision noted that the project was significantly scaled back compared to the original design, reducing its potential impacts on nearby residents and the environment. Feedback from council, local residents, and government bodies contributed to the final outcome.

Sydney restaurants
Photo Credit: DA2024/1362

Next Steps

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Construction of The Farmhouse is expected to proceed under the revised plan. No exact timeline has been disclosed. Once completed, the venue will expand the Boathouse Group’s footprint, which currently includes 12 sites across New South Wales.

Published 21-July-2025