A Night at The Salopian Inn – Local Flavours Just Minutes from McLaren Vale Cabin Caravan Park

Every now and then you have a meal that reminds you exactly why McLaren Vale is so special. My recent dinner at The Salopian Inn was one of those nights – relaxed, generous and absolutely packed with local flavour.

Tucked into an 1850s homestead surrounded by vines, The Salopian Inn is a McLaren Vale institution, and the best part for our guests is that it’s just a short drive from McLaren Vale Cabin Caravan Park.

Seasonal, local and a little bit adventurous

The Salopian Inn’s menu is built around local, seasonal produce. A huge amount comes straight from their own kitchen garden, with the rest sourced from nearby growers and producers who share their focus on ethical, sustainable food.

The cooking is modern Australian with flavours pulled from all over the world – influences from China, India, Italy and France sit happily on the same menu, tied together by what’s in season here in the Vale.

On any given day you might find:

• Salopian dumplings with Spencer Gulf prawns and Coorong wild carp, dressed in soy, rice wine vinegar and roasted chilli

• Roasted butternut squash with onion tahina, tomato hot sauce, hazelnuts and “garden fluff”

• A playful “eggplant parmi” with sourdough-crumbed eggplant, tomato sugo and parmesan

• Slow-cooked dishes like Monapilla Estate lamb neck tagine pie with olives, harissa and saffron labneh

It’s the kind of menu that works beautifully whether you’re a dedicated foodie or you just want really good, flavour-packed food without any fuss.

They also offer a “Feed Me” option where the kitchen chooses a progression of dishes for the table – perfect if you don’t want to decide and just want to relax into the experience.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are well looked after too, which makes it an easy choice for mixed groups and families.

Gin, wine and a very McLaren Vale drinks list

McLaren Vale is famous for its wine, and The Salopian Inn takes full advantage of that. The restaurant has:

• An extensive cellar of more than 600 wines, showcasing both local stars and interesting bottles from around the world

• A bar curated with over 250 gins from Australia and beyond, including their own Salopian Gin collaboration with Kangaroo Island Spirits

Whether you want a local shiraz with your main, a crisp white with seafood or to end the night with a clever gin and tonic, you’ll find something you probably haven’t tried before.

Atmosphere: cosy, historic and relaxed

Housed in a beautifully refitted 1853 homestead, The Salopian Inn manages to feel both special and comfortable at the same time – polished enough for a celebration, but warm and welcoming if you’ve just come in from a day of wine tasting in jeans and boots.

Inside you’ll find:

• Cosy dining rooms with views out over the vineyards

• A relaxed but attentive team who are happy to talk you through dishes and wine pairings

• A pace that encourages long, unhurried lunches and dinners

It’s exactly the sort of place you want to linger.

So easy from McLaren Vale Cabin Caravan Park

One of the best parts for our guests is how simple it is to include The Salopian Inn in your stay:

• Both the park and the restaurant are right in McLaren Vale, so you’re only a short drive away – no long country roads late at night

• It fits perfectly into a day of exploring cellar doors, markets and local attractions

• You can enjoy a long lunch or evening meal and then be “home” at your site or cottage in just a few minutes

Because it’s so popular (and has the reviews to prove it), we strongly recommend booking ahead, especially on weekends and during holiday periods.

Make it part of your McLaren Vale escape

If you love:

• Seasonal, locally sourced food

• Menus with a bit of adventure

• Great wine, interesting gin and warm, genuine hospitality

…then The Salopian Inn is absolutely worth putting on your list while you’re staying with us at McLaren Vale Cabin Caravan Park.

When you book your accommodation, feel free to ask us about dining at The Salopian Inn – we’re always happy to point you in the right direction, help with local tips, and share some of our favourite dishes from recent visits.

Stay with us, eat with them, and taste a very delicious slice of McLaren Vale.