Overview
Spring is a time for light-hearted adventure, fresh flowers and produce and renewal — like brushing up on some new skills. And this season at Tramsheds, you'll be able to enjoy all of the above at its new spring festival. RAW by Tramsheds rings in the new season with tempting food offers that do some good, pop-up gardens, workshops and even a free spritz bar. Spend some solo time or get a group together, and enjoy all the art, culinary and cultural happenings at Forest Lodge's dining district.
ARCHIE ROSE SPRITZ BAR
If spring had a flavour, then we're willing to bet it's gin. Celebrated for its native botanical-forward reinterpretation of the classic drop, Archie Rose is bringing its gin talents to Tramsheds at the RAW launch on Saturday, October 27 and serving up some top-notch gin spritzes. From 4–10pm at the pop-up spritz bar, you're invited to choose the garnishes for your drink from those on offer that reflect and pay tribute to the cultural cuisines of the Tramsheds. And the best part? The spritzes are completely free. Of course, you'll still need to be sensible, so there is a limit of one per person. Also from 10am–10pm during the launch, there will be live music playing all throughout the space, including performances by genre-defying Alphamama and her curated lineup of musicians.
EDIBLE SPRING GARDEN
Sprouting up in Artisan Lane also at the launch of RAW, the Edible Spring Garden will present a delightful way to help you focus on tasty, fresh herbs and healthy ingredients this spring. Curated by local nursery team Worm Ticklers and under the direction of Iku Wholefoods co-founder Holly Davis, this three-metre-long garden will hold lemongrass, basil, spinach, mint, poppies and chamomile — and that's just to name a few. Davis will also be there on the day to give you tips, tricks, tasters and recipes to help you use more fresh herbs — and maybe inspire you to make your own home garden. Pro tip: stay till the end, and you'll be able to take a piece of the garden home with you.
EXPERT PUMPKIN CARVING
While Australian spring doesn't quite have the same autumnal charm that the Halloween season does in the Northern Hemisphere — complete with changing leaves, chilly eves and cornfield mazes — there's no reason we can't indulge in at least a few of the festive traditions. From 10–11am during the RAW launch, head to Supamart for a display of some of the finest pumpkin carving outside of The States. Get in nice and early, and you might even get a chance to ask resident pumpkin carver Tony to carve a personalised pumpkin just for you and your stoop (or windowsill). Otherwise, browse the pre-carved pumpkins for purchase and get some inspiration for some DIY carving projects at home. Whole pumpkins will also be available to purchase on the day.
ART AND DINING WORKSHOPS
If one day of activities just isn't enough for you (we don't blame you), there will be a number of workshops running to help you upskill throughout the season. Highlights include a hands-on introductory cheesemaking course where you'll learn all things creamy, pillowy burrata and bocconcini, all while sipping bubbles. Also not to be missed is the watercolour workshop with Sydney artist Yakultboyy, complete with small tasters from selected Tramsheds restaurants. And then, of course, there's the dumpling-making workshop with Fish & Co and food blogger Vanessa Miles, who'll show you how to make wild prawn and pork dumplings from scratch for you to then enjoy with a glass of wine.
DINING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
While the recent rain may have dampened your springy spirits, the weather has been a much-welcomed change throughout NSW, which is considered to still be over 99% in drought or drought affected. And none have felt the pinch more than our farmers. So, the Tramsheds family has teamed up with the Drought Angels charity to help support Aussie farms. From the RAW launch on Saturday, October 27 to Friday, November 30, Tramsheds vendors will be donating a percentage of their sales to support drought relief. That means you can enjoy your pasta from Flour Eggs Water, a Messina shake (with ingredients straight from the Messina Dairy Farm), a plate of wings from Belles and a pint of house brew from Redline, all while doing a bit of good. Moe & Co has also committed to the cause, so you can also get your next haircut while supporting the farmers. Other participating businesses include Naked Foods, Heritage, The Butcher and the Farmer, Osaka, Fish & Co, Bekya and Supamart, with more to be announced closer to the launch.
Kick off spring at Tramsheds on Saturday, October 27 for the launch of RAW, and head to the website to discover more happenings around the dining district this season.