I was invited to stay at the Mercure and dine at their on-site restaurant Azzuri. The grounds of the Mercure I know well because I used to live nearby, I’ve used the beautiful bike path that runs through the property often and have done many blog shoots down by the river.
The Mercure is located in such a peaceful and calm setting that its grounds also include the award-winning Ballarat Sanctuary Day Spa. Even though it’s close to town and on a busy road, you’re more likely to hear the fountain or the river or the wind through the willows and gums once you’re past the main building.
Location-wise, the Mercure is across from Sovereign Hill and really close to town. The fact that it feels like you’re staying in a little bit of forest instead of in the middle of a city is a treat you won’t find at other accommodation in options Ballarat.
They put me in a simple room with a very comfortable bed. The furnishings are minimalist and neutral which allows your eye to be drawn directly to the bold illustrations made by local (but internationally working) illustrator Travis Price. There are a few varied designs throughout the property which are definitely a great backdrop for photos to look back on fondly, their enlarged letters of Ballaarat are big enough for even group photos.
Check-in was at 6 pm and our dinner reservation was at 7 pm, and we were hungry, hungry hippos, so we headed to Azzuri as soon as we could.
In case you’re wondering, Azzuri means something about the colour blue which is why the restaurant has bright blue and white decor that would befit an Italian summer. We’re visiting in winter though and had a snug seat near the open fire. A relief because I wanted the fun of wearing a much-loved backless dress. We wore formal for the fun of it, which was definitely overdressed (smart casual would be the right vibe).
Things I immediately loved: space. Feels cosy, but plenty of room for wheelchairs or prams and there were very happy patrons already accessing that perk. Volume-wise there was a nice low level of friendly chatter, muted by the comfortable carpet so it’s not overwhelming and you don’t feel like you are forced to overhear other people’s conversations.
The menu will appeal to people who love flavourful red meats in winter. I had a hard time choosing between a duck magret, eye-fillet and slow-cooked lamb. The starters list would be tantalising for lovers of seafood with squid, prawns and salmon listed.
Before our meals even arrived I had realised that I would be leaning heavily on my parents to come here. They’re loyal diners who have their favourite spots and I know this would easily move into their dine-out rotation.
The food was simply plated and very flavourful. Between the two of us, we had 4 different dishes (2 mains and 2 desserts) and all were delicious. That for me is the real measure of Azzuri from our evening there, their flavour was fantastic. Will definitely be going back.
The walk in the dark back to our rooms was picturesque because there are a few spots with fairy lights, some reflecting off the pond behind the main building. The sunny winter morning light also revealed spring was about to arrive on several white and pink blossom trees on the grounds as well as an arch heavily covered in a flowering purple vine.
