World's First Horse Drawn Restaurant

Established in 1995, Clydesdales Restaurant was born from the idea of re-introducing the Heavy Horse to the historical Hawkesbury Region, afterall, the Hawkesbury is fondly referred to as the 'birthplace of the great Aussie Draught'.

Initially when the suggestion of a horse-drawn restaurant was made, it seemed like a difficult prospect for success and experts in the industry said "it can't be done - it will never work!".

Once, however, a team of horses with the right temperament were found, the next item of research was to find an authentic carriage still in existence that woud suit. History books illustrate the horse-drawn vehicles used extensively in Australia during the 1800’s, and one in particular looked most suitable – the Omnibus… But were there any left that could be found?

The search proved harder than initially thought, and the idea of having a vehicle custom made was suggested, however, low and behold, a vehicle was located (albeit in poor condition) in Victoria. The dream was realised and restoration was undertaken to make it authentic and roadworthy, with a few creature comforts added.

Clydesdales Restaurant grandly rolled from the coachbuilder's shed to great fanfare in May 1996 as Windsor welcomed the World's First Horse Drawn Restaurant.