Downtown Werribee might not have been the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a lazy Sunday afternoon hangout, but one look at Teddy Picker’s new outdoor space, The Garden, and you’ll understand. Seated on the expansive deck under vibrant umbrellas, painted picnic tables and fun fake grass, it’s easy to picture yourself a world away from everything.
In late 2021, Teddy Picker’s owner, Jon Ford was looking to expand the young venue to truly take advantage of the riverside location. In a case of perfect timing, Riot Wine Co. from South Australia were also looking for a collaboration partner. Jon Ford explains – ‘We stumbled across Riot Wine Co. on social media and we were instantly drawn to the style as we felt that it was very similar to Teddy Picker. Once I experienced the product and discovered just how good it was, to me it was a no-brainer to reach out about a collaboration for The Garden space.’
Since 2016, McLaren Vale-based Riot Wine Co have been making wine their way – in aluminium cans or stainless-steel kegs. It’s all about delivering the best quality product in the most sustainable way possible. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, while maintaining the wine’s quality through the exclusion of light and oxygen. Similarly, stainless steel kegs are an efficient way to serve and transport wine in bulk. Over its 30-year lifespan, one keg will save on 23,000 bottles from being dumped/recycled. This ethos was a natural fit for Jon Ford and Teddy Picker.
Sustainability is a core value for Teddy Picker. Throughout the business we do what we can where we can; it’s important to us that we are doing our part, and to be contributing to this huge issue. All of the suppliers that we work with have a similar mindset and I believe this is a key part of creating an overall better experience for customers.
The renovated space prides itself on welcoming a diverse mix of customers and has included a dedicated play area for families, as well as a turfed area for those bringing their fur-babies.
If you’re wondering about the name, it’s a nod to Jon Ford’s UK roots, the birthplace of the band Arctic Monkeys, who just happen to have a song of the same name. Mystery solved.
More importantly, what should you be eating ? Pizza – because it’s the platonic ideal dish to share with friends and just happens to pair perfectly with wine, courtesy of Riot Wine Co., of course. The menu, though, offers more than just pizza with plant-based, coeliac and other dietary requirements all happily catered for.
Maybe you’re not a wine drinker? No problem, there’s plenty of options for beer, cider and a ripping cocktail menu that hits all the right notes from the always-welcome espresso Martini to The Jungle Teddy with spiced rum, Aperol, and pineapple & lime juice – yes, please.
The Garden at Teddy Picker might just be a case of ‘build it and they will come’ – and it’s easy to see why.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: The Garden – Teddy Picker restaurant and bar
WHEN: Wednesday – Thursday 12pm – 10pm, Friday – Sunday 12pm – 11pm
WHERE: 5/116 Watton St, Werribee
MORE INFO: Teddy Picker Werribee