Potager – A Kitchen Garden is guided by John and Donna Spedding. Their story is woven through the Tweed hinterland, which John has always called home. John is a fifth-generation Tweed local, born in Murwillumbah, with family ties to the Burringbar Bakery, banana farms, cattle, small crops and commercial fishing. His grandfather also served as a Tweed Shire councillor, deepening the family’s connection to the region. Donna didn’t grow up in the Tweed—she was raised on the Wide Bay, surrounded by sugar cane, cattle and horses, sparking a lifelong love of the land and nature. Outside of work and raising their three boys, Donna led community nature days and helped establish butterfly gardens for locals and children—hands-on projects that encouraged connection with the natural world and an appreciation for sustainability. Our love of travel & experiences Time overseas also gave us a deep love of travel and the kinds of experiences that spark conversation and bring stories back to the table with family and friends. Returning with our three sons to what we believe is the best place in the world, we wanted to create those same meaningful moments for others: through good food, beautiful landscapes and warm, down-to-earth hospitality. Kitchen garden, local makers & regional produce In addition to continuing Potager’s much-loved kitchen garden, we’re proud to champion local producers and creators. You’ll find seasonal fruit and vegetables from nearby farms, seafood from our rivers and coast, Australian Bay Lobster, thoughtfully sourced meats, and pottery crafted by regional artisans—plates and serving pieces that celebrate the hands that make them. It’s a table set by our community: grown, caught, raised and made in the Northern Rivers. Sustainable farming & Speckle Park beef We’re committed to sustainable farming through our own Bellingdale Beef and have introduced Speckle Park—an emerging, hard-to-source beef renowned for its rich flavour, fine marbling and clean, buttery finish. This exceptional breed reflects our paddock-to-plate philosophy, combining ethical farming with outstanding eating quality. Honouring Potager’s legacy We’d like to acknowledge the incredible work of Pete, Gareth and the original Potager team, who created such a special place filled with warmth, heart and purpose. Their passion for local food, people and sustainability built the foundations of what Potager is today—and we’re honoured to continue that story into its next chapter. We’re also very grateful to our existing team, whose creativity, care and commitment continue to bring the Potager experience to life every day. Today, Potager is also part of The Hinterland Collection—a growing family of venues that reflect our values of connection, sustainability and creativity through dining, stays, wellness experiences and celebrations. We’re grateful to the local community for the warm welcome and support since taking over. We’re proud to continue Potager’s legacy and look forward to many seasons of good food, stunning surrounds and special moments with you.