OUR STORY
The iconic Briars is deep rooted in Australian history as a character filled Southern Highlands institution established over 175 years ago when Charles Throsby, nephew of explorer Dr Charles Throsby built the Inn in 1845.
Revitalised in 2021, the venue has been renovated and restored to reflect the classic elegance of the Inn’s original style. Set between the idyllic rural townships of Bowral and Moss Vale, and close to both Sydney and Canberra, Briars has evolved to become a thriving food & hospitality destination and a favourite for locals and out of towners alike.
Choose your experience, it’s all here! Dine on our premium steak or delicious shared & hearty meals in Briars Bistro, enjoy a refreshing ale in our beer garden or share a hand-made pizza from our wood-fired oven.
Alternatively, join us for a drink or two in historic Throsby’s Bar or host a celebration in our private dining rooms and stroll home to your accommodation at Briars Country Lodge.
Mel East
Mel has worked in the Hotel Industry for close to 30 years pouring her first beer at the London Hotel in Balmain. After completing high school at Frensham, Mel jumped at the opportunity to become Licensee of Briars in 2003 and continued working for the owners for over eight years. Mel then headed back to Sydney to work for Keystone & Redcape Hotel Group in both Hotel Operations & Project Management.
Mel moved back to the Southern Highlands in 2017 & purchased the business operations of Briars in 2020, working closely with the Landlord to open the doors once again in May 2021.
With her experience reaching over 80 hotels, Mel is thrilled to finally have a venue she can call her own & is looking forward to giving Briars back to the locals and visitors for many more years to come.
BRIARS PRECINCT
Briars is located in Burradoo NSW, between the townships of Bowral and Moss Vale is set across ten acres of established gardens and grounds.
In 1980, Briars Inn was opened once again as a licensed venue, quickly establishing itself as a destination food & beverage offering with warm country hospitality.
In 1989, Briars Country Lodge opened its doors. The Conservatory is a large function space for Weddings & Conferences set behind Reception and there are 31 accommodation suites each overlooking the private lake and grounds.
In 2018, the historic Inn was closed due to a fire. In 2020, the new owner completed a major renovation, reopening the doors once again in May 2021.
Briars is the perfect base to explore the Southern Highlands, then come back for a meal, a glass of local wine in the historic Inn, before heading back to your suite at The Lodge.
