27 Jan 2026
As Valentine’s Day approaches in the height of an Australian summer, the idea of celebration shifts toward experiences that feel considered, intimate and quietly memorable. At Shell House, the Chef’s Table experience offers exactly that kind of moment, one designed for couples who value presence, craftsmanship and a sense of occasion over grand gestures.
Hosted at the kitchen pass in the heart of the Dining Room, the Chef’s Table welcomes just two guests each evening. The setting places diners directly within the rhythm of the kitchen, offering a front-row view of technique, timing and creative exchange as each course comes together. It is a perspective rarely offered, where the boundary between guest and creator feels intentionally softened.
Guided by Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Head Chef Jarrod Walsh, the experience unfolds as a personal narrative shaped by seasonality and market-driven ingredients. The menu evolves constantly, reflecting the best available seafood and produce, with each dish carrying its own sense of place and moment. Thoughtfully curated beverage pairings accompany the journey, allowing flavours to build and recede with natural ease.
Rather than feeling ceremonial, the evening is defined by its intimacy. Conversation flows easily, attention lingers on detail, and the pace encourages guests to remain present throughout the experience. It is dining that invites connection, not only with each other, but with the process and people behind the plates.
As a Valentine’s Day gift, the Shell House Chef’s Table voucher offers something rare: time, access and a shared memory formed in real time. Long after the final course, what remains is not simply the taste of a dish, but the feeling of having been part of something thoughtfully created.
