Our first two events were sold out: Italian food and cocktails at The Factory Bar - a hit with the locals.

What do you get when you combine delicious food from the south of Italy and Katoomba's newest gin bar? Well, the locals thought this spelt a great night out they were not going to miss! Two in a row in fact.

So we're bringing the event back in April with new items on the menu. Actually, the food has been different each time. What hasn't changed is the fresh ingredients, homemade sauces, freshly baked bread, good quality olive oil and homegrown herbs. By now, the locals know this is the key to great tasting Italian food. 

Join us on April 10th for "Italian Night" at The Factory Bar for a taste explosion of the best of our traditional appetisers from southern Italy. Enjoy trying our Italian polpette (meatballs) in a delicious tomato sauce to dip your bread into; pesto filled mushrooms to pop into your mouth; pizza made with our own dough; and zucchini fritters using mum's homegrown pesticide-free produce. There will also be bowls of our traditionally preserved wild mushrooms, olive paste and chilli oil to share.

These moreish bite size foods are ideally suited to the range of cocktails on offer. You may want to order the Italian cocktail Murray has especially created for the event. Rest assured you will have more than enough to eat, but leave room for dessert ... our hand made cannoli shells, filled with sweetened ricotta dipped in crushed chocolate and pistachio.

Room at capacity, happy crowd

Meatballs and sauce

What's better than a night out with great food?

An Italian cocktail for the special event

Handmade cannoli with sweetened ricotta

A selection of tasty foods to try

If you haven't experienced our food as yet, we have been running Italian cooking classes at Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat since 2017 when we started with our Pasta and Sauce making class. Since then, we have expanded the number of class options to include bread, arancini, baked vegetables and various types of pasta and sauces to mention a few. Classes have morphed into events with many coming back with their family for a milestone occasion. Having run special events based on our Italian heritage, we have been wanting to collaborate with other local businesses, to bring our food and customs to the wider community.

Blue Mountains Gin Company offered the perfect collaboration with the inaugural Italian Night at The Factory Bar held on December 19. Such was the response, we had to close off the bookings earlier than expected. The night was a hit with 25 locals attending, at capacity. To set the vibe, Italian music played in the background and platters of food laid out to whet the appetite. Not to mention the fabulous range of cocktails going out, it was an excellent night of friendly chatter and laughter.

So tell your friends and come along on Thursday 10th April at the Factory Bar in Katoomba. Not only will you have a fabulous night out, but you will be supporting two small local businesses, which will make you feel good about yourself :) But be quick to avoid disappointment as space is limited. Book via the button below. See you there!

Book your spot

Menu inclusions:

• Zucchini Fritters • Meatballs • Pesto Mushrooms • Pizza (pepperoni, onion, olive)

• Dessert: Cannoli with sweetened ricotta, chocolate and pistachio

Plus tasting ramekins with Chilli Oil, Olive Paste, Marinated Wild Mushrooms and freshly baked bread.