Find a Stanthorpe apple pie that rivals the best homemade effort at Sutton’s Shed Cafe, and pick your own Granite Belt apples. This apple pie is so good it has made a list of iconic Queensland dishes you must try. Sutton’s Farm is one of my favourite stops on the Granite Belt. The coffee is good, there is always amazing apple pie or something equally tempting to eat, and the shelves groan with fabulous local products.
The best Stanthorpe apple pie
Queensland’s daily newspaper, The Courier Mail, has created a list of iconic Queensland restaurant dishes you must eat, and, of course, it includes Sutton’s apple pie! “This apple orchard in the picturesque town of Thulimbah near Stanthorpe serves hundreds of its handmade pies each week from its tiny cafe in a humble shed,” says Courier Mail journalist Anooska Tucker-Evans.
Filled with antique tables complemented by touches of silver, the cafe is a perfect refreshment stop on entry to or exit Stanthorpe. It is part of Dave and Ros Sutton’s juice factory, cidery and distillery.
“We offer fresh, seasonal fruit, sourced locally on the Granite Belt where ever possible,” says Ros Sutton. “And, where we can, we use organic. Of course, apples feature prominently on our menu – homemade apple pie, pancakes, chutney, butter, cider and juice, to name just a few.”
Want to know how to make this pie? Skip to the end for the video where Ros Sutton shares some of her apple pie-making secrets.
Enjoy a slice of Sutton’s apple pie with a scoop of spiced cider ice cream and fresh cream. Photo: Kerry Heaney
One bite of apple pie and you’ll want more
What modest Ros won’t tell you unless pressed is that she is an award-winning CWA cook. One taste of her apple pie will quickly indicate this is a cut above the norm – a well-textured pastry with just the right combination of crunch and soft buttery smoothness. Combined with an ample scoop of spiced apple cider ice cream, you’re in foodie heaven. The good news is that you can now buy takeaway slices of apple pie. Be warned! The slices are huge, and you may want to share with a friend. (Disclaimer – I ditched breakfast to eat a whole slice by myself, and it was worth it!)
The last time I visited, there was an amazing raspberry crumble, totally delicious. The scones are amazing too!
What’s inside Sutton’s Shed Café?
Expect to find a changing menu that includes buttermilk apple pancakes, apple sorbet using Jonathon apple juice, a ploughman’s lunch, terrine and salad and vegetarian options. Sate your thirst with a glass of Sutton’s own Apple Cider or wines from the local Back Pocket winery. If you can walk out without a bottle of their varietal apple juice – think Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jonathon and more- you’re a strong character. The same goes for the apple butter and apple syrup. During apple season, you can pick your own Granite Belt apples from Sutton’s trees at the back. It’s lovely to see the bright shiny red fruits hanging from the apple trees.
Dave’s Limoncello is aslo a good drop, and I’ll definitely buy another bottle of this on my next visit.
Here is the best news for coffee lovers – the coffee is another Queensland favourite, Merlo! You might spot busy David Sutton behind the coffee machine if you are lucky! There’s nothing like a bit of good, old-fashioned home cooking, especially if you don’t have to make it yourself! Sutton’s Shed Cafe is open seven days a week from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Find it at Thumlimbah, just north of Stanthorpe. Find out more about Suttons.
Great Granite Belt food
Start exploring –
- Things to do on the Granite Belt
- Try some of these Granite Belt cafes and bistros.
- Travelling with your dog? The Granite Belt is very pet friendly
Disclaimer: Ed+bK travelled as a guest of Tourism Queensland.
