My husband, 3 year old son and I went to the Apple Shed for dinner and some folk music tonight. I had the best night out I've had in years. Nice food - nothing pretentious, just filling and well prepared, oh my god the apple pie with Valhalla vanilla ice cream. And the cider! Seriously worth the visit just for that, but the apple museum itself is fun, and the music was wonderful - Ryan Garth and Hannah Morrell made a wonderful duo, he has a strong folky voice and hers is as sweet as sweet can be, as is their musicianship on guitar and fiddle. The toilets are clean and eco-friendly, an interesting visit in itself if that's a thing.

The stars as you leave are a reminder of the extraordinary beauty of the world to us too-familiar with the city people. The building is full of rambly corners in which to lose yourself looking at pictures of people called Oates who look like they're oats and old machines of which you can guess the purpose. It's just wonderful all round.

I can't recommend this enough - for couples, for friends, for an interesting business trip to showcase Tasmanian produce and hospitality. The staff were welcoming and natural, it was like being invited and welcomed into the home of an old friend to whom you didn't have to say too much but they knew you well enough that all was OK to sit and just be happy.

Don't deny yourself the pleasure of going. I went for the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival earlier this year as well, and that was tip top, but to be at the Apple Shed on a pleasant Friday night was a new treat in itself, and one I hope to experience again. Bravo to the family, and to their staff for creating a unique and happy venue.